Patrolman Thomas was shot and killed in a home on Snelling Avenue as he and several other officers attempted to arrest a man for fighting. As Patrolman Thomas climbed the stairs the man opened fire, striking him twice. After barricading himself in the home for a while the suspect finally surrendered. He was found to be insane and committed to a mental hospital.

Patrolman Thomas had been with the agency for seven years and was survived by his wife and child.