Evening News, San Jose, California, 18 Mar 1912
Policeman Instantly Killed by a Burglar
Long Beach, March 18.—Thomas Borden, a member of the Long Beach police force, was shot and almost instantly killed by a burglar whom Borden encountered at his own home. Borden and his wife were returning from church, and as they started to enter their home, a man opened fire. Three shots were fired, and one bullet took effect, penetrating Borden's brain.
San Diego Union, San Diego, California, 18 Mar 1912
Burglar Kills Long Beach Police Officer
By the Associated Press
Long Beach. March 17.—Thomas Borden, a member of the Long Beach police force, was shot and almost instantly killed by a burglar whom Borden encountered at his own home tonight.
Borden and his wife were returnning from church, and as they started to enter their home a man emerged and without warning opened fire. Three shots were fired and one bullet took effect, penetrating Borden's brain.
The burglar ran down the street and was pursued by a passing citizen, who was forced to give up the chase when the burglar shot him in the foot. He then made his escape, but the police have a good description of the man and hope to effect his capture before morning.
Borden was 55 years of age, and had been a mounted patrolman for the last eight years.
The man who was wounded while chasing the burglar was E. R. Rowett. He said that there were two burglars, and that he was shot by the one who had apparently been stationed on the outside of the house as a lookout.
Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, 19 Mar 1912
Reward Offered for Slayer of Officer
Long Beach, Cal., March 19.—A reward of $1000 for the capture of the burglar who shot and killed Thomas Borden, a member of the Long Beach police force at his own home, was offered by the city authorities here. One man suspected of having murdered the officer was arrested yesterday.
The discovery of Borden's revolver and belt in an alley proved to the satisfaction of the police that the officer had been killed by his own weapon, which the burglar had stolen just before Borden and his wife returned to their home after attending church.