Tobin Bolter

On April 20, 2024, Ada County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Tobin Bolter made a traffic stop in Boise, Idaho, for a suspected misdemeanor warrant. As Deputy Bolter approached the driver’s window, the driver shot him and fled the scene. A bystander witnessed the shooting and called 911, then proceeded to perform CPR on Deputy Bolter until the medics arrived. He was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the next morning, April 21, 2024. He was 27 years old and had seven years of law enforcement experience, having served with ACSO since January 2024. He was the first line of duty death in the Ada County Sheriff’s Office history. 

Bolter was born in Walnut Creek, California, to Steve and Cindy Bolter. As a little boy, he was full of joy and decided he wanted to be a policeman. The thought of helping and protecting others, running into danger to save someone, was foremost in his mind. As a student, he worked hard in academics and was gifted in athletics. In high school, he was a police cadet at the Walnut Creek Police Department. He sought to glorify God in everything he did. He graduated from The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, California, in two-and-a-half years, while attending with an athletic scholarship. He was an avid runner and coached cross country and track. After college graduation, he immediately joined the police academy as a self-sponsored recruit. He started his career with the Pleasant Hill Police Department in California in 2017. He was then hired at the Meridian Police Department in 2022 in Idaho. He joined the Ada County Sheriff’s Office in Boise in 2024. 

Bolter met his future wife, Abbey, in 8th grade at church, where they formed a strong friendship. They attended every high school event together as friends and began dating in his senior year. They were married in 2018. Their bond was a testament to the power of love and friendship, built on a foundation of their belief in God, mutual respect and commitment. At the time of his death, Abbey was pregnant with their daughter, Halley Takoda Bolter, who was born in November 2024. Bolter will be remembered for putting himself between good and evil for his community. His faith was evident in all he did. He found strength and wisdom in the Bible and depended on the power of prayer to guide him through life. He was kind with a vivacious spirit and a devoted husband. He did everything he could to stop evil from harming others. His name was added to the Idaho Peace Officer Memorial at the Idaho State Police Headquarters in Meridian. 

Deputy Tobin Bolter is survived by his loving wife, Abbey, his daughter, Halley, his parents, Steve and Cindy Bolter, his sister, Tessa, and countless other family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Bolter family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.