Bobby P. Doherty

Photograph of Bobby Paul Doherty

1936 - 1978

Bobby Paul Doherty was born in Mount Calm, Texas, in July of 1936. He attended Lamar University, and joined the Texas Department of Public Safety as a patrolman in 1958. He served in Marlin and Gainesville, before being transferred to Fort Worth in 1968.

After serving with distinction for 18 years, Doherty transferred to the Texas Rangers in 1976. Doherty was stationed at Fort Worth because of his familiarity with that city. In February of 1978, Department of Public Safety narcotics officers, Denton County Sheriff's Department officers, and Ranger Doherty participated in a drug raid on a residence in Argyle, Texas. During the raid Gregory Arthur Ott, a student at North Texas State University in Denton, killed Doherty by shooting him in the head with a .38 caliber revolver.

Ott was indicted on capital murder charges and sentenced to life. Doherty was the first Texas Ranger in 47 years to die in the line of duty. He is buried at Azle, Texas.

Suggestions for further reading:

  • Vertical files, Texas Ranger Research Center, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, Waco, Texas
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