In the early morning hours of June 12, 1983, a tragic event unfolded outside the Balmar Motel in Detroit, Michigan, that cut short the life of a young man. Tony L. Thames, a 25-year-old male Michigan State Trooper, was off-duty when he and a companion were confronted by two men at approximately 2:30 a.m. One of the assailants produced a handgun and pointed it at Trooper Thames.
In a moment of bravery, Thames drew his own department-issued revolver.
A struggle ensued, and Thames was tragically shot in the leg and chest. As he fell to the ground, his companion attempted to flee but was stopped by the second suspect, who stole her purse. The two assailants then fled to a waiting getaway car driven by a third accomplice. Despite his mortal wounds, Trooper Thames managed to rise and fire a single shot at the fleeing vehicle, striking his attacker in the arm.
Emergency services transported Trooper Thames to Detroit Receiving Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at 3:50 a.m. The information provided by witnesses at the scene proved crucial for law enforcement. Officers from the Detroit Police Department were able to locate the suspect vehicle and arrest the three assailants shortly after, at 4:05 a.m. on the same day.
Following the arrests, Trooper Thames's companion positively identified the two men who had carried out the attack in a police lineup. Felony warrants for murder and armed robbery were issued against the two attackers and the driver of the getaway car. The individual who shot Trooper Thames was later convicted of first-degree murder.
