Trooper Bobby Lee Coggins, aged 26, was shot and killed on September 14, 1985, near Hot Springs, North Carolina. He was a member of the North Carolina Highway Patrol and had served with the agency for one year. On the day of his death, Trooper Coggins initiated a traffic stop on a stolen pickup truck, suspecting the driver of DUI. Dispatchers informed him that the two occupants were Arkansas prison escapees.
One of the suspects opened fire with a .25 caliber handgun, and despite Trooper Coggins' attempt to return fire, he did not hit the suspects. The second suspect then picked up Trooper Coggins' gun and shot him in the head.
The suspects were captured three days later after a search involving trackers and a bloodhound named "Brandy". Both suspects, aged 23, were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life plus 93 years on May 21, 1986. Trooper Coggins was survived by his fiancée, brother, and parents.
The tragic incident highlighted the bravery and dedication of Trooper Coggins, who had also served as a seasonal park ranger for the National Park Service during the previous two years. His death was a significant loss to his family, friends, and the community.
