Toledo Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Tuesday, May 5, 1908
Add to My HeroesJames Francis Boyle
Sergeant James Boyle was shot and killed as he and another officer questioned three suspicious men they had observed near some railroad boxcars on Erie Street at 3:15 am. As Sergeant Boyle approached them, the other officer went around the block to prevent them from fleeing. The suspects walked away and were located in front of a nearby bakery.
As Sergeant Boyle began to question them, one of the men produced a revolver and opened fire, striking Sergeant Boyle. The other officer returned fire, striking the man in the leg. Sergeant Boyle was taken to St. Vincent Hospital, where he died later that day. The suspects were apprehended a short time later after fleeing the scene.
The shooter, who said it was an accident, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years. He was paroled on February 16, 1912. Charges against the other two were dismissed.
Sergeant Boyle had served with the Toledo Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife, four children, mother, and three brothers.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 11 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Paroled in 1912
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant James Francis Boyle of the Toledo Police Department, Ohio and the additional 60 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation
May 5, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Evan Dunn
Golden Police Department, CO
EOW: November 6, 2024
Police Officer Enrique Martinez
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: November 4, 2024
Detective Clarence E. Word, III
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: October 1, 2024
Trooper Corey S. Thompsen
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: October 18, 2024
Detective Maurice "Mo" Joseph
Norfolk Police Department, VA
EOW: October 9, 2024
Corrections Officer Bradford D. McNew
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: October 12, 2024
Corporal Raymond Kuuchi
United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, US
EOW: September 2, 2024
Park Ranger Kevin Melvin Grossheim
United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, US
EOW: October 6, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Lex Allen Love
Wise County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: October 2, 2024