Walter Tommy Collins, a 52-year-old white male, was a lieutenant with the Wichita Falls Police Department in Texas. On July 25, 1989, he was tragically killed in the line of duty. Collins was responding to a call involving a man firing a .30-.30 rifle at construction workers. During the incident, Collins and two other officers were wounded by the gunfire.
Despite being transported to a local hospital, Collins succumbed to his wounds while undergoing surgery.
The suspect, Dan Fowler, was apprehended after a manhunt that involved a DPS helicopter locating him on a sandbar along the Wichita River. Fowler, who was 67 years old at the time, had come out of his trailer on the northeast side of Wichita Falls and fired his rifle at the construction workers, claiming they were making too much noise. After shooting the officers, Fowler fled on foot but was eventually captured. He was sentenced to three 99-year prison terms for his actions.
Collins had served with the Wichita Falls Police Department for 31 years and was survived by his wife, three children, and mother. His death was a significant loss to the community and the police department, which held a memorial ceremony to honor his sacrifice. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of community support for their work.
