In September of 1986, a routine patrol on the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge tragically ended the life of 54-year-old Robert Franklin Pyles Sr., a dedicated officer with the Maryland Toll Facilities Police Department. On the evening of September 18th, Officer Pyles stopped to assist a man seen walking along the bridge. The man, later identified as Frank 'Spanky' Green, claimed his van had run out of gas.
Unbeknownst to Officer Pyles, Green was a parole violator from New York, wanted for
violent crimes including rape and assault. The van he was driving had been stolen. As Officer Pyles transported Green back to the disabled vehicle, where other officers had gathered, Green produced a weapon and shot the unsuspecting officer. Despite immediate medical attention, Officer Pyles succumbed to his injuries nine days later, on September 27, 1986. He had been a member of the police force for 19 years.
The investigation that followed revealed Green's violent past and his fugitive status. He was subsequently apprehended and brought to justice for his crimes. Following a trial, Frank 'Spanky' Green was convicted of the first-degree murder of Officer Pyles. He was also found guilty on three counts of attempted murder in connection with other offenses. For these heinous acts, he received a sentence of four consecutive life terms in prison.
