Timothy Madden
Robbie Tolan

Author, Police Shooting Survivor Robbie Tolan to Graduate from PVAMU This Fall

Robbie Tolan’s criminal justice degree from Prairie View A&M University is over ten years in the making, but what happened during a significant portion of that time was not a part of Tolan’s overall plan.

“I played baseball here at Prairie View, and the Washington Nationals signed me in 2007. The next year, I came home for the holidays, and my cousin and I went on a late-night Jack-in-the-Box run. But when we got back home, we were confronted by the police, and I was accused of stealing my own car,” said Tolan.

The situation quickly escalated, according to Tolan. He said the officer ordered him and his cousin to the ground. In hearing the commotion, Tolan’s parents came outside, and shortly after, his mother was pushed against the garage door by a second officer, who was later identified as ten-year Bellaire police veteran Jeffrey Cotton.

“When that happened, I jumped up from the ground, wanting to protect her. But, in trying to do so, Officer Cotton shot me. He thought I was reaching for a weapon. I didn’t have a weapon. I just wanted to defend my mother,” said Tolan.

A bullet was lodged in Tolan’s liver (where it remains today), but miraculously, he survived.

“And all I could think about was wanting to document this journey. So, I started writing,” said Tolan.

In May of 2010, a jury reached a verdict of not guilty in Tolan’s case, and Cotton was acquitted. Tolan’s family filed a federal civil lawsuit. That suit was later settled for $110,000.

“In my book, I go through everything that happened with a fine-tooth comb,” said Tolan. “In fact, on the same night I was shot, there were two other black men shot by police officers in two other cities. But those men lost their lives. My book, ‘No Justice,’ talks about what happens after the cameras and social media protests go away. I’m continually striving to fight for justice for all.”

Dr. James Wilson Jr., associate provost at PVAMU, stepped in to help when Tolan decided to return to “The Hill” to finish his degree.

“There was a process to readmitting Tolan, but I wanted to do what I could to assist, Wilson said. “His story is a triumph of stories. It’s history. Robbie is going to give back to this institution forever, because unlike Sandra Bland [a PVAMU graduate who was found dead in jail following a confrontational traffic stop], Robbie is living and breathing. He can do his part to educate, encourage, and inspire his peers.”

Tolan said, in coming back to PVAMU, “I wanted to finish something I started. I have a deep love and appreciation for PV. I’ve gotten so much favor here. Every professor, dean, staff, and faculty member I’ve come across has had my back. And I wholeheartedly agree, ‘PV Produces Productive People.'”

Tolan wants to use his platform to speak on injustices nationwide. He aspires to start a foundation to help families who are going through the same thing.
“It’s not just about telling my story, but it’s about ensuring that people remember,” Tolan said. “Life is kind of like baseball. It’s unpredictable. Some things happen that can be hard. But if you look at it correctly, life can be a beautiful thing.”

Tolan will earn a B.A. in criminal justice at PVAMU’s Fall 2019 Commencement. His book, “No Justice,” is available to buy online.

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By Marchita Shilo