Patrol Officer David J. Tolsma, Cheektowaga Police Department, New York

Patrol Officer David J. Tolsma

Cheektowaga Police Department, New York

End of Watch Thursday, October 20, 1977

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David J. Tolsma

Patrol Officer David Tolsma was shot and killed around 1 a.m. while responding to a robbery call at a Holiday Inn hotel on Genesee Street.

The suspect, 23, was an escapee who had been on the run for three days. He was captured 13 hours after murdering Officer Tolsma, and sentenced to 25 years to life. An accomplice, 25 was also sentenced to 25 years to life. The accomplice was paroled on December 28, 2015. The other suspect was paroled on March 4, 2020.

Officer Tolsma was a U.S. Navy veteran of four years and had served with the Cheektowaga Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.

Bio

Age 32
Tour 6 years
Badge 112
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Paroled in 2020

robbery

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Most Recent Reflection

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I remember the incident well. I was working at the Holiday Inn during this time period. It was big news then. Right after this happened, I volunteered to take the night shift. The guy I replaced was so upset that he quit and never came back.

James Carl Shaw
Desk Clerk, Holiday Inn Genesee St

September 27, 2025