Officer Paul Thomas was mortally wounded when he attempted to stop an armed robbery during his off duty hours.

Officer Thomas was visiting his father at his father’s place of business. While in a rear office, he heard two robbers enter and begin to scuffle with his father. Officer Thomas rushed to his father’s aid and struggled with the gunmen. The assailants fired their weapons, striking Officer Thomas.

Officer Thomas was rushed to the hospital; He died of his wounds 16 days later.

He is survived by his wife and four children.