Old Police Stories

Investigator Steven Paul Bolyard

Florida State Attorney’s Office – 1st Judicial Circuit, Florida

End of Watch Monday, June 18, 1990

On this date, thirty-two years ago, Investigator Steve Bolyard was gunned down by a suspect he was investigating.

Steve Bolyard was born in 1953 in La Holla, CA. An excellent athlete, he excelled in football as a linebacker and defensive lineman at Woodham High School. He was also an avid hunter. After high school, he continued with athletics when he began playing in men’s softball leagues. His opponents hated to see him come to bat as much as teammates loved it, because everyone knew there would probably be a home run coming up!

As a young man, he found his niche when he joined the Pensacola Police Department. He was a perfect fit; he was muscular and athletic, had a great personality, could think on his feet…it was his career. He also found that he was good at it.

After five years with the Pensacola Police Department, Steve took advantage of the opportunity to become an investigator with the State Attorney’s Office. He thrived in this position and had a great future waiting for him.

In 1990, he had arrested a suspect for theft. While investigating a related crime involving the same victim and suspect, Steve made contact with the victim. The suspect showed up and started to beat on the front door. When he couldn’t enter, he went to the rear of the home and opened fire through a window. Two rounds struck Steve, both in the head.

Despite suffering serious wounds, Steve retreated from the house but was shot again in the back. He was able to make it to a neighbor’s home where he collapsed and died before emergency medical technicians could arrive.

The suspect was caught and arrested. He was convicted by a jury for First-Degree Murder and sentenced to two life terms in prison. He died in prison in 2011.

Investigator Bolyard was survived by his daughter, parents, and three brothers.

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