Trooper Conroy G. O'Brien, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas

Trooper Conroy G. O'Brien

Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas

End of Watch Wednesday, May 24, 1978

Add to My Heroes

Conroy G. O'Brien

Trooper Conroy O'Brien was shot and killed during a traffic stop on the Kansas Turnpike near Matfield Green.

During a struggle with the three suspects, they obtained his service weapon. One of the subjects then walked him to a nearby ditch and pistol-whipped him, fracturing his skull. The man then shot him twice in the head before spitting on him.

The subjects were later apprehended after a shootout with other officers. One turned state's evidence and served seven years, another died in prison in 2009, and the third man was sentenced to serve 45 years to life. The suspects were all wanted for a string of armed robberies at the time of the shooting.

Trooper O'Brien had served with the Kansas Highway Patrol for four years. He was survived by his expectant wife.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 4 years
Badge 108

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Three suspects apprehended

parolee, traffic stop

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 38 Reflections

Conroy and his wife were neighbors of mine in the same apartment complex in SE Wichita. We became good friends ansI was a Wichita Police Officer at the time, thus we had a lot in common. My wife and I have just cooked out steaks with them a few days prior to his death. So very sad. He was a great friend, great husband and loved helping others be safe! I still think of him and miss him often.

Mike Nelson - Officer
Wichita Police Department

July 2, 2023