Patrolman Mark Layne Dabling, Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado

Patrolman Mark Layne Dabling

Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado

End of Watch Monday, December 6, 1982

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Mark 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

escapee, traffic stop

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Most Recent Reflection

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Mark 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