Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch Monday, December 6, 1982
Add to My HeroesMark Layne Dabling
Patrolman Mark Dabling was shot and killed while making a traffic stop.
Unbeknownst to him, the violator was an escaped prisoner from Florida. The man exited the vehicle through the passenger side door and opened fire on Patrolman Dabling with a .44 caliber sawed-off rifle.
The suspect fled the scene but was later arrested on I-25 south of the city. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. He will be eligible for parole in 2044. However, he was convicted of murder and first-degree robbery in Kentucky and will also have to serve that sentence.
Patrolman Dabling had served with the Colorado Springs Police Department for 5 1/2 years. He was survived by his mother, father, brother, and sister.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour 5 years, 6 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; .44 caliber
- Offender Life sentence
Most Recent Reflection
View all 99 ReflectionsMark was a personal friend. Met him in UCCS classes at Ft. Carson, and became I stant friends. My wife and our two kiss loved him. He'd be on patrol.and stop in for coffee and a brownie. Fixed him up on a couple of dates with wife's single friends. He sounded siren (very briefly) and he kids howled!! Almost 40 years, still think of you often.
Bob Lyle, LTC. USA retired
June 23, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Detective Allan Reddins
Oak Park Police Department, IL
EOW: November 29, 2024
Police Officer Jesse Branch
Red Lake Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: November 27, 2024
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Love
United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, US
EOW: October 19, 2024
Police Officer Cooper Dawson
Greenville Police Department, TX
EOW: November 26, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ignacio "Dan" Diaz
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 25, 2024
Deputy Constable Katherine Hutson
Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 5, TX
EOW: November 22, 2024
Major Michelle Lynn Quintero
Madison County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 27, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, Jr.
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2024
Corporal Luis Paez
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2024