Cincinnati Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty

Narratives

Watchman Davis

During 1846, Watchman Davis was found shot to death behind the fence in the old graveyard which is now Washington Park.

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Watchman Strawther

During 1846, Watchman Strawther was found stabbed to death on Baum Street, above the Waterworks.

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Officer John Brasher

On May 6, 1849 Officer Brasher was shot and killed by Jesse Jones, an ex-convict and burglary suspect.

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City Watchman Peter Davison

During 1850, City Watchman Davison, while assigned at Van Amburg's Circus, located in the block bordered by 12th, 13th, Vine, and Race Streets, was stabbed to death by John C. Walker, an Ohio Medical College student, after a dispute over a seat he was directed to surrender in favor of some late-arriving women.

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Officer Joseph Stowder

During 1852, Officer Stowder was killed in the line of duty.

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Watchman Henry Carroll

On December 24, 1853, Watchman Carroll was shot during the Bedini Riot. He died the next day on Christmas day, 1853.

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Deputy Sheriff Thomas Higdon

On January 15, 1854, Deputy Sheriff Higdon was stabbed to death when he and other officers attempted to break up a demonstration of the "Forty-Eighters."

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Lieutenant Levi Parker

Lieutenant Parker was killed by Harry Harrington, a saloon-keeper, April 27, 1856 when he attempted to intercede while Harrington was beating his wife. Harrington earned a life sentence. A few years later, Harrington's friends convinced the governor that he pined to return to Ireland so the governor pardoned him. Harrington, once pardoned, went to Covington, Kentucky instead and there was nothing that could be done about it.

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Officer Claborne Long

Officer Daniel Hallam

On January 9th, 1861, while searching for a girl thought to be held in the house of Emma Clemmens on the east side of Main Street between 6th and 7th Streets, Officers Long and Hallam were fatally stabbed.

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Officer Patrick Nuttle

On June 10, 1861, Officer Nuttle was killed by Arthur Hughes.

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Officer Uriah H. Sears

During 1870, two days after being rehired to the police force, Officer Sears was stabbed to death by Jerry Lynch.

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Substitute Patrolman Abraham Bird

During September 1874, Sub-Patrolman Bird, while at a circus, was shot by Trim Davis, a deaf-mute.

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Patrolman Kemper

During 1876, Patrolman Kemper was killed by John Zilar.

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Substitute Patrolman Edward Gallagher

On March 25, 1876, Sub-Patrolman Gallagher was brutally murdered by James Dunbar.

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Patrolman Martin Kunkel

On January 20, 1878, three men shot and killed Patrolman Kunkel as he was attempting to place them under arrest.

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Patrolman John Dwyer

On July 18, 1878, Patrolman Dwyer was thrown from a streetcar and fatally injured.

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Patrolman Fred Karch

During 1880, Patrolman Karch died by violence in the line of duty.

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Patrol Wagon Driver Joseph Sturm

Patrol Wagon Driver Sturm was shot and killed during the riots of March 29, 1884. The riots started during the evening of March 28 when a crowd of 2000 people stormed the City Jail in an attempt to hang a convicted murderer, Berner, who received a sentence of twenty years instead of execution. They continued until the evening of March 30.

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Patrolman Martin Gorman

Patrolman Henry Schierloh

During the Election Riot of October 18, 1884, Patrolmen Gorman and Schirloch were shot. Patrolman Gorman died that night. Patrolman Schirloch died October 30.

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Patrolman Patrick Riley

Died on March 8, 1887, when during a gambling raid, a gun fell from the pocket of a fellow officer and discharged, striking Patrolman Riley.

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Patrolman Frank Seip

On December 2, 1887, Patrolman Seip died of blood poisoning caused by a bite received from a diseased prisoner resisting arrest.

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Patrolman William Saunders

Patrolman Saunders died on March 11, 1888. A few days before, his revolver exploded in the station house during roll call, causing his injuries.

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Patrolman A.W. Hassenkamp

On December 17, 1888, Patrolman Hassenkamp died as a result of a fall while on duty.

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Patrolman John Tegge

Served 14 years -- July 24, 1875 to December 6, 1889
On December 4, 1889, Patrolman Tegge fell on the corner of Spring and Hunt Streets. He died two days later from his injuries.

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Sub-Patrolman Henry Roese

Sub-Patrolman Roese died on July 16, 1890, when his firearm accidentally discharged as he was stepping off a streetcar.

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Patrolman Craig Scott

While making an arrest of Joseph Carver, a Hamilton City policeman, Patrolman Craig Scott suffered a gunshot wound to his leg. The leg became infected and he died January 10, 1893.

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Court Officer Richard Morris

Served: 14 years.

On February 27, 1895, Court Officer Morris served a warrant on a Mr. Stolzenberger, who had been given to drinking and was "driven half insane by the recent death of his only child." Stolzenberger had choked his wife and vowed his intent to avenge himself upon her sister and others he believed to be his enemies. He went willingly with Officer Morris, but along the way, jerked away from him and shot him at close range. As he ran, Stolzenberger came across Patrolman Fred Shafer. After firing one shot at Shafer, and preparing to fire another, Shafer shot and killed Stolzenberger. Morris was rushed to the hospital. Though conscious, he died the next day. His funeral was held at his home on McMillan.

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Patrolman Henry Zimmerer

While trying to stop a street brawl, during 1895, Patrolman Henry Zimmerer was stuck and killed by a street car.

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Patrolman Louis Klusman

Patrolman Klusman died from injuries received in the attempt to stop a runaway horse on Christmas Day, 1896.

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Detective Robert E. Moran

During the holidays of 1897, a jewelry store on Liberty Street was robbed. On January 9, 1898, word reached headquarters that Herman Diehm, the suspected ring leader of the gang wanted in the robbery, was at a house on East Sixth Street. Detective Moran and several patrolmen responded to pick up the gang. They entered the house, made their way to the second floor and demanded entrance to a locked room. As the door was opened, Diehm shot Detective Moran. Diehm escaped, but was arrested the next day in Covington, Kentucky. Detective Moran died the next day after giving a statement that he recognized Diehm as the shooter. Regardless, Diehm was found not guilty.

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Sergeant Joseph M. Burman

OnOn September 29, 1899, Sergeant Burman was struck and killed by a Baltimore and Ohio railroad train in Madisonville, Ohio.

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Patrolman John Schroeder

On August 17, 1901 Patrolman Schroeder tried to pick up a live wire with his wooden night stick at Charlton and Zeltner. It was raining and the water conducted the electricity, electrocuting him.

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Patrolman Luther Brooks

Patrolman Brooks shot himself accidentally on November 22, 1901, as he crawled out of a cave near the Millcreek where he and several other officers were looking for tramps suspected of freight car robberies,

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Patrolman Henry Deering

Patrolman Deering died March 24, 1902, of a fractured skull, after being struck by a street car in front of the Sixth District station on Eastern Avenue.

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Patrolman Michael Mulvhill

Patrolman Mulvhill died answering a hurry call on September 8, 1902.

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Patrolman Armstrong Chumbley

Patrolman Chumbley was, in 1906, shot and killed in Central Station by Colonel Thomas E. Snelbaker, a former Chief of Police, due to a family dispute.

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Patrolman William Satters

Patrolman Satters was walking home after third relief on April 28, 1907. At Sixth and Stone Streets he met a man who was asking for protection from Philip Schwartz, also known as "The Duke of Shantytown." Shantytown was a group of houseboats and shacks at the foot of Burns Street. Schwartz threatened the patrolman and in an exchange of shots, both men emptied their revolvers at each other. Patrolman Satters was shot first, then shot Schwartz twice, but the light bullet did not stop his aggression. Patrolman Satters fell unconscious and later died. Schwartz reloaded and held the crowd at bay until other patrolmen arrived to take him into custody. He was charged, convicted, and sentenced to life.

After this incident, police were equipped with .38 caliber revolvers instead of the .32 caliber revolver carried by Satters.

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Patrolman Carl Hauck

On July 29, 1907, while patrolling, Patrolman Hauck came across a crowd of men known to police as the West End Gang. The men fled into an alley near Harriet and Gest Streets. Patrolman Hauck followed and was shot in the back of the head in an ambush. A man named Dugan was arrested and tried, but due to lack of evidence was found not guilty.

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Patrolman Anthony Bachman

Patrolman Bachman was on West Sixth Street, near Park, on October 8, 1907, responding to a call reference a plumber, Garrity, who was said to be drunk and threatening his wife. Garrity was a friend of Patrolman Bachman, but as he opened the door to walk in, a hail of bullets met him and he fell dead. Garrity was tried and found guilty of second degree murder and sentenced to 20 years, but released before 1928.

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Mounted Officer Charles G. Peterson

On, May 23, 1908 at an Italian colony out on Queen City Avenue in the Lick Run district known as Little Piedmont, Russo Levato set fire to a tenement occupied by a number of families. When a man tried to extinguish the flames, Levato shot and killed him with a sawed-off shotgun. The flames attracted the attention of Officer Peterson, a Denmark native who served two enlistments in the U.S. Navy. Officer Peterson tried to see what he could do about the flames, unaware of Levato. Levato shot him at close range, killing him almost instantly.

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Patrolman Charles Lind

Patrolman Lind died July 5, 1908, after being struck by a street car in front of the Sixth District station on Eastern Avenue.

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Lieutenant Sam Corbin

Served 24 years -- June 19, 1886 to January 1911
During the Chamber of Commerce fire of January 1911, Lieutenant Sam Corbin, Night Chief, fell over a fire hose. He died from the injuries a few days later.

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Patrolman Edward F. Knaul

On December 17, 1914, Frank Holt robbed the Provident Savings Bank and Trust Company's branch at Eight Street and Freeman Avenue. One hour later, he robbed the Liberty Bank at Liberty and Freeman Avenues. Holt fired shots, wounding tellers, at both holdups and escaped each time on a motorcycle. He was not admitted to the Mohawk Bank at Fifteenth Street and Central Avenue later that day when the manager was reading the descriptions of the previous two holdups. On December 17, 1914, a boy approached Lieutenant Imwalle and Patrolman Knaul, telling them a man of Holt's description was in his mother's rooming house at 918 West Ninth Street. Patrolman Knaul searched for and found Holt drugged up on cocaine. Holt had a high power automatic pistol and came out firing, hitting Patrolman Knaul. After a car chase and wreck, Patrolman Frank Chase shot and killed Holt. Patrolman Knaul died May 23, 1915.

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Patrolman James O'Neill

Officer O'Neill was killed on April 20, 1915 by one of four black males who he tried to arrest under the Cincinnati end of the Southern Bridge.

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Patrolman Samuel J. Robins

On April 25, 1916, William Groendike entered the pawnshop of Louis Katz at Longworth and Central Avenues. While looking at a revolver, Groendike hit Mr. Katz over the head and fled. Katz ran after him. Patrolman Robbins took up the chase, and was about to overtake him, when Groendike turned and shot Robins, killing him. Detective Albert W. Wegener came upon the scene and shot and killed Groendike.

One and one-half years later, Detective Wegener would also die in the line of duty in nearly the same location.

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Patrolman Jacob Kuenzel

Patrolman Kuenzel's wife had become demented over worry about his safety as a patrolman. To prevent his being killed on his job, on June 24, 1916, she shot him in his sleep.

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Patrolman Henry Ruberg

Age: 60

Patrolman Ruberg did not seem to be seriously injured when his horse fell on July 26, 1916, but internal injures and peritonitis caused his death two days later. Officer Ruberg, of 3648 Glenway Avenue had been detailed to strike duty in the vicinity of the Southern Railway Terminal. While following a packing company wagon his horse stumbled and fell. Doctor Stuart Hagen performed an operation in an effort to save the patrolman's life but to no avail.

Patrolman Ruberg was one of the veterans of the Police Department. He had been assigned to the Ninth District for several years and had many friends in the western part of the city. The officer's death recalls an exciting gun fight which he had with a thief on Price Hill, June 1890. With Lieutenant Branigan and Detective Carey, Patrolman Ruberg captured "Burglar Jim" Anderson, who was wounded in the gunfight. Officer Ruberg was hit also, but after the battle found a bullet had merely dented his badge.

Patrolman Ruberg left a wife, Josephine. His grand nephew and two great grand nephews would join the Cincinnati Police Department. Patrolman Art Ruberg retired in the 1970s. Police Specialist Donald Ruberg retired in the 1990s. Lieutenant Raymond Ruberg retired during 2001.

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Jail Matron Anna Hart

Jail Matron Anna Hart was the first female officer in the United States to die in the line of duty. Apparently she was beaten to death during an escape from the county jail.

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Patrolman William C. Boers

Patrolman Boers was trying to capture Edward Jones for beating his wife, "Hi-Ball Meg," a West End character. On April 16, 1917, Patrolman Boers found Jones at 834 West Fourth Street. Jones, a friend of Patrolman Boers, drew a revolver and fired, killing him. Jones received 20 years in the penitentiary.

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Detective Albert W. Wegener

Motorcycle Policeman George Le Poris

On November 12, 1917, an unknown and suspicious looking individual tried to pawn a watch with Walton C. Levi, on Central Avenue and New Fifth Street. Levi called headquarters and Detective Wegener responded. The suspect and Detective Wegener recognized each other and the suspect instantly opened fire at the detective. During the ensuing search, a police officer mistook Policeman LePoris for the suspect and shot him at Third and Elm Streets. Detective Wegener died before he could reveal who the suspect was. While police thought they knew who, they were not able to find the evidence to convict him.

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Patrolman Henry Hennekes

On March 8, 1918, Patrolman Hennekes died from gun shot wounds and blows to the head four days after trying to arrest a black male. Patrolman Hennekes's great grandson, Robert Hennekes, became a Cincinnati Police Officer and, late in his career, he too was shot and nearly killed. While jogging off duty, and unarmed, he interceded in a bank holdup and was shot in the torso. He later retired and, among other activities, traveled to Iraq in the early 2000s to train Iraqi police officers.

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Patrolman William H. Deiters

Late at night, on August 28, 1918, Patrolman Deiters was shot and killed almost instantly by one of two black males he was questioning at the corner of Liberty Street and Freeman Avenue.

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Mounted Patrolman Richard C. Ell

On December 14, 1918, Patrolman Ell tried to quiet a drunken hanger-on, Theodore Pohlman, who had been ejected from a saloon on Madison Road in O'Bryonville. The man riddled Patrolman Ell with buckshot from a shotgun.

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Detective Frank Hueftlein

Cincinnati detectives were cooperating with the authorities across the river in an effort to run down the man who had held up a Ludlow bank messenger. On April 15, 1922, word reached headquarters that the man was on Garfield Place. Detectives Frank Hueftlein and Albert Guethlein responded. When they approached the man, later identified as Noble "Red" Holt, the suspect shot both detectives. Hueftlein died and Guethlein never recovered from his wounds. Holt was arrested trying to escape. He was charged and convicted. Noble Holt was electrocuted April 27, 1923. This was the first time a man was executed for killing an officer in Cincinnati.

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Patrolman Lawrence M. Klump

Early Saturday morning, on August 13, 1923, at 3:00 a.m., Patrolman Klump told John Lawson Hunter, a twenty-four year old black male, and his associates that they would have to get off the streets and quit disturbing the peace. Hunter shot Patrolman Klump six times with a handgun, killing him, and later threw the revolver away. Hunter admitted to firing more than one shot, but did not remember how many. In his confession he stated, "ain't any cop kin put me to bed." Hunter was convicted and sentenced to life. Patrolman Klump's services were at St. George's, Calhoun Street. He left a wife and three small children. He made little more than $100 a month as an officer.

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Patrolman William Bond

Patrolman Bond sought to discover the cause of pistol shots in the neighborhood of Fifth Street and Freeman Avenue, on April 20, 1924. He followed one of the fugitives to a house on Richmond Street where he was shot while attempting the arrest. He died the next day.

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Acting Detective Anthony Tekulve

Acting Detective Tekulve was shot and killed by a black male on June 27, 1924 and died on July 9. The suspect was charged, convicted, and electrocuted.

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Sub-Patrolman Clifford L. Cornish

Sub-Patrolman Cornish was killed September 14, 1925 by a black male bootlegger/drug peddler named John H. Whitfield. The jury believed the testimony of Whitfield's pals that the policeman attacked Whitfield first.

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Patrolman Allen J. Althoff

Patrolman Althoff was shot in broad daylight at Fifth and Race Streets on October 20, 1925 by John E. McKibben, a white male who he had arrested for a petty theft and who, in his attempt to escape, wounded another man. A jury recommended mercy and he was given a life sentence with possibility of parole.

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Patrolman Thomas E. Dameron

Patrolman Dameron was shot August 1, 1926 while chasing a gang of black males who attacked, disarmed, and wounded another patrolman at Third and Smith Streets. Patrolman Dameron killed his attacker, but suffered tremendous pain until he finally died December 17.

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Patrolman Jacob Huber

Patrolman Jacob Huber died in 1926 as a result of complications from a stabbing wound he received in a struggle with a bootlegger.

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Patrolman Olin C. Wilson

On May 16, 1927, Patrolman Wilson questioned a black male, John Converson, about a rumor of careless use of firearms. Converson shot and killed Patrolman Wilson. He was charged and convicted. John Converson was electrocuted on January 9, 1928. He was reportedly the fourth person executed for the killing of a law enforcement officer in Cincinnati.

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Patrolman John A. Franken

Served: 3 years

A drug crazed black male named John Rucker armed himself with a shotgun on July 4, 1927, on Kenyon Avenue. After shooting two other black males and frightening a black female to the point of heart failure and death, Patrolmen Franken and Sherman Yearion responded. Rucker shot them both. Patrolman Franken died three days later. He was charged and convicted. John Rucker was electrocuted on November 30, 1928.

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Patrolman Sargent M. Willis

Served almost 2 years -- March 16, 1928 to April 23, 1930
On April 22, 1930 Patrolman Willis and others were raiding a still at Faraday Road near Baltimore Pike. During the raid, there was a gasoline explosion which injured Patrolman Willis. He died the next day, April 23.

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Patrolman William O. Sorrell

Served 3 years -- March 16, 1928 to November 25, 1931
Patrolman Sorrel died November 25, 1931 from gunshot wounds received when he entered a place where a hold-up was in progress.

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Patrolman Joseph Duffy

Served almost 25 years -- January 13, 1908 to December 29, 1932
Patrolman Duffy died December 29, 1932 as a result of an accidental fall while cleaning windows at patrol house Number 3.

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Patrolman J. Roy Hicks

Age : 28

Served: 4½ years

On February 25, 1935, at 7:00 a.m., Victor Pepper of 4379 West Eighth Street found Patrolman J. Roy Hicks, of 3623 Laclede Avenue, unconscious on the side of the road on Eighth Street near Hermosa. An investigation revealed he was chasing a speeding maroon automobile outbound on Eighth Street. His motorcycle hit a curb and was thrown from it, striking an iron pole with his head. He died three hours later with a fractured skull and internal injures. His brother, Harry Hicks, a District Four patrolman, was at his side. Three weeks prior to the accident, Patrolman Hicks was transferred to the Station X Motorcycle Squad. Eight days prior, he blew the bugle at the 3rd annual Police Memorial services at the Emery Auditorium.

Services were held at his home. Six fellow officers served as pall bearer: Robert Leigh, Clifford Rhein, Fay Gallaher, Henry Heller, William Kelleher, and Henry Zimpelman. He was survived by his widow, Vernice, and two small daughters, Molly, 5, and Carol, 1. His widow received $70 a month thereafter as widow's pension. While his brother, Harry, attended the funeral, his furnace caught fire and his house at 4121 West Liberty burned. Patrolman Hick's grandson, Donald Hasselbeck, and great grandsons Matt and Tim Hasselbeck, became professional football players. Don and Matt played in Superbowls 18 and 40 respectively.

After Patrolman Hick's accident, and because he "lay on the cold, damp ground a half an hour before a patrol was available to take him to the hospital," the City purchased in March 1935 seven new "Combination Cruiser/Invalid Cars," each equipped with two stretchers and first aid kits. These were later called Scout Cars and still exist today.

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Detective Sergeant John A. Cameron

Served 15 years -- January 14, 1910 to April 26, 1935
On April 26, 1935, Detective Sergeant Cameron was shot and killed by Lindsay Cyrus as he was attempting to arrest two payroll robbery suspects at 1013 W. 8th Street.

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Patrolman Howard E. Bietman

Served 10 years -- August 5, 1925 to October 1, 1935
Patrolman Bietman died on October 1, 1935 from injuries suffered as a result of a motorcycle accident on September 25, 1935.

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Patrolman Lawrence Robbins

Served 10 years -- April 7, 1926 to June 25, 1936
Patrolman Robbins was shot and killed on June 25, 1936 by robbers on Fulton Avenue in Eden Park.

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Patrolman Harry L. Ward

Served 31 years, July 30, 1906 to January 21, 1937
Patrolman Ward, after rowing a boat for 12 hours in the rain during the great flood, died of a heart attack on January 21, 1937.

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Patrolman Charles Kneisel

Served 26 years -- April 5, 1911 to December 17, 1937
Patrolman Kneisel, while responding to a radio call on December 17, 1937 suffered fatal injuries when his car skidded on wet street car rails and crashed into a loading dock.

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Patrolman Julius Mayer, Jr.

Served 1 year, 1 month -- February 1, 1939 to March 16, 1940
On March 16, 1940, Patrolman Mayer was shot and killed by a burglar he was attempting to arrest at 107 W. 9th Street.

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Patrolman Robert D. Leigh

Died during 1940 from a motorcycle accident.

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Sergeant Carl F. Hille, 1942

On July 15th, 1942 Sergeant Hille responded to an alarm about a gas leak on Sycamore Street and died when it exploded. His body was found on the Saint Xavier Church roof near Fifth Street.

Sergeant Hille had been a legendary fast-pitch softball pitcher. In 1922, he started 69 games and lost only one. In 1954, the Cincinnati Recreation Commission converted what was once known as Lucky Circus grounds into a baseball field. In 1960, the field was dedicated in Sergeant Hille's memory. Over the years, the field fell into disrepair. During the mid-1990s, Elder High School repaired the field and use it as its home field.

On April 18, 1998, the field was rededicated as the Carl F. Hille Memorial Field.


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Captain George B. Dooley

Captain Dooley, during 1943, was shot and killed by a barricaded man off 5th Street. He is the highest ranking Cincinnati officer to have died in the line of duty.

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Patrolman John W. Neal

Patrolman John W. Neal died during 1944 as a result of a motorcycle accident on Beechmont Avenue.

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Patrolman Earle H. Biddle, Jr.

During 1945, Patrolman Biddle was drafted into the Army and died in battle.

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Detective Fred Seebohm

Detective Seebohm, during 1947, was killed in an auto accident in Northside.

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Patrolman John W. Hughes

Patrolman Hughes died during 1948 from injuries suffered as a result of a motorcycle accident on Kellogg Avenue.

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Patrolman Lewis William Hall

Patrolman Hall died during 1948 from injuries suffered as a result of a motorcycle accident on Queen City Avenue.

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Patrolman Walter H. Williams P455

Age: 24

Served 1½ years
July 1, 1950 to October 17, 1951

On October 17, 1951, at 2:30 a.m., Patrolman Williams, of 1723 Central Avenue, was operating a 1950 Chevrolet Coupe west on Laidlaw Avenue that collided with a 1951 Ford Sedan northbound on Paddock Road in District 7. Victor Heinrick of 114 South Main Street, Sharonville, Ohio, a twenty-six year old white male, was driving the Ford. Patrolman Williams suffered a possible skull fracture and broken neck. He was pronounced dead by Doctor Keerle at General Hospital at 3:00 a.m. The accident was investigated by Patrolman Miley and Patrolman Distasi of the Highway Safety Bureau. No charges were filed.

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Patrolman Robert V. Bastin P230

Age: 27

Served 2 years
April 15, 1951 to March 7, 1953

On March 7, 1953, at 1:35 a.m., Patrolman Bastin, of 646 Lincoln Avenue, was operating a 1951 Ford Sedan east on West Court Street at John Street, in District One, which collided with a 1950 Oldsmobile sedan operated south on John Street by David Hines, a thirty-five year old black male, of 716 Baymiller Street. Patrolman Bastin was fatally injured and pronounced dead by Dr. Harold W. Baum at General Hospital at 2:17 a.m. The autocide was investigated by Patrolman E. Collier and Patrolman W. Dewald of the Highway Safety Bureau. Hines was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving. Patrolman Bastin left a wife.

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Detective Walter T. Hart D1

Age: 49

Served 26 years
May 1, 1929 to September 19, 1955

On September 19, 1955, at 11:50 p.m., ex-convicts from Kilby Prison, Lemuel Trotter, a 28-year-old black male of Shubuta, Mississippi; Robert Lee Jackson, a 40-year-old black male of 623 W. 6th Street; and Willie Barnet, a 24-year old black male of 507 Carlisle went to the Grey Eagle Café, located at 201 W. 6th Street (6th and Elm Streets) in District Two, with intent to rob the café and its customers. Detective Walter Hart, of 3717 Applegate, a 21-year detective including twenty years in the Homicide Squad, was a customer in the Café. Trotter carried a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver and Barnett a .32 caliber semiautomatic pistol. Jackson waited outside as a lookout. Detective Hart engaged the two gunmen with his Colt Police Positive .38 caliber revolver. He wounded Barnett and Trotter shot Detective Hart, striking him in the heart. He staggered to the telephone, tried calling for help, collapsed and died. Detective Hart was pronounced dead by Dr. Goettle at 12:36 a.m. at the Cincinnati General Hospital. He left a wife, Lillian and two grown children.

Patrolmen George Reese, Highway Safety Bureau, and Wilson Day, District 2, heard the shots, responded to the café, and soon after found and apprehended Willie Barnett as he hid in a hallway at 229 West 6th Street. Detectives Marvin Friedman and John Ritter recovered there personal papers and money belonging to victims robbed in the café. Barnett was found guilty of 1st Degree Murder with a recommendation of no mercy.

Jackson went to his home, changed clothes, and caught a cab. Patrolman William Breckel and William Hayes, District One, conducted stops of vehicles going over the C&O Bridge. They stopped the cab Jackson had caught, identified him as a suspect and arrested him. Patrolman Harry Batters, Vice Squad, Patrolman Lehman Foster, District Four, and Detectives John Greene, Eugene Moore and Donald F. Roney recovered in Jackson's apartment the murder weapon and Detective Hart's wallet. Jackson was found guilty of 1st Degree Murder with a recommendation of no mercy. Robert Lee Jackson was executed July 7, 1958.

Trotter escaped through a side door and through an alley. He caught a cab and went to 1543 Baymiller Street and changed clothes. Eventually, he went to went to Newport, Kentucky and jumped on a freight train making his way to Mobile, Alabama. Using the name Reco Glover, he was apprehended February 8, 1957, in Selma, Alabama. Lieutenant Charles Martin, Crime Bureau, interviewed Trotter and extradited him to Cincinnati. Trotter was found guilty of 1st Degree Murder with a recommendation for no mercy. Lemuel Trotter was executed July 7, 1958.

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Patrolman Roger Winkleman

Patrolman Winkleman died during 1958 from injuries received in the arrest of two criminals.

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Patrolman Donald Martin P338

Age 29

Served: 5 years
April 30, 1956 to March 11, 1961

On March 11, 1961, Walter Walls, Jesse Walls, and Charles Jillson were in the Downtown Lincoln Mercury car lot, 715 Reading Road, for the purpose of stealing a battery from one of the cars. The Wallses entered the lot on foot while Jillson waited in the car. About 3:00 a.m., Patrolman Donald Martin, of 4300 Foley Road, pulled his patrol car onto the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) parking lot at 721 Reading Road. Patrolman Martin exited his vehicle and walked onto the car lot and found Walter Walls tampering with a vehicle. A violent struggle ensued; so violent that Patrolman Martin's blouse was ripped at the lapel and several buttons were torn from his uniform. Walter Walls, possibly with Jesse's assistance, gained control of Patrolman Martin's .38 caliber service revolver and shot Patrolman Martin in the chest. Patrolman Martin turned and ran with Walter Walls in pursuit, firing into Martin's back.

At 3:10 a.m., Jack Wenner, Hugh Moore, and Harold Stiver, all of Pitt, Ohio, were northbound at 721 Reading Road when they observed the chase and continued shooting. They observed Patrolman Martin with his hands in the air, Walls fire again into his back and, after he fell to the ground, Walls fire a final shot into his head.

Jillson drove away and Walter Walls fired a shot at Jillson's Cadillac. Walter Walls ran across Reading Road and up Dandridge Street where he discarded Martin's gun and his own shirt and jacket into a trash can in the rear of 542 Dandridge Street. Jesse Walls ran eastbound through the Nabisco lot toward the railroad tracks behind the Elsinore Warehouse.

Harold Stiver exited the witness vehicle and tried to assist Patrolman Martin. The others drove to a gas station to call the police. By the time the police arrived, the offenders were gone. Sergeant Max Abel was the first car on the scene. Detective Elam took photographs.

Patrolman Martin left a wife, Alethea, and children.

This crime went unsolved until the Year 2005 when a tipster called the Homicide Unit with some information. That information turned out to be inaccurate, but it caused the case to be reopened. Two Homicide Unit Detectives, Ballman and Schare, found Jesse Walls still alive. After further investigation, they found that Jillson was never heard from again, probably also killed by Walter Walls, and that Walter Walls had died the previous year. The case was closed, listing Walter Walls as the killer, with the agreement of the Hamilton County Prosecutor.

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Sergeant Albert F. Weller S25

Age 51

Served: 30 years
June 14, 1937 to August 6, 1967

Sergeant Weller suffered a massive heart attack on August 6, 1967, after quelling a near riot on a party boat at the Public Landing.

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Specialist Carl Setser PS49

Age 40

Served almost 19 years
September 15, 1952 to August 13, 1971

Specialist Setser and Specialist Robert Kramer served a search warrant for property stolen in a Robbery. While at 222 East Central Parkway on August 13, 1971 they pushed a disabled car and transported the heavy boxes of seized property. Specialist Setser suffered a massive heart attack and died.

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Detective Howard F. Smith D12

Age: 55

Served 31½ years
November 1, 1940 to September 13, 1972

On December 30, 1971, Detective Smith was working a protection detail at the Fifth Third Bank, 2026 Central Parkway, when Raymond Sams, a nineteen year old black male, of 674 Glenwood Avenue, and Isaac Beasley, a seventeen year old black male, entered to rob the bank. Detective Smith was shot with a handgun. He lay in General Hospital for 8½ months before finally expiring on September 13, 1972. He was pronounced dead at 3:30 a.m. by Dr. J. Krautmann. Sams and Beasley were arrested by Lt. James Daley, Detective Bluhm, and Specialists Heinzelman, J. Day, Feldman, and Wilson Day. Detective Smith left a wife, Frances.

Raymond Sams (196834), during September 1994, was incarcerated at the Chillicothe Correctional Institute (CCI). Sams came up for parole on May 24, 1997 and was turned down. His next opportunity will be in the year 2002.

Isaac Beasley (1244655), during September 1994, was incarcerated at the Lucasville Correctional Institute and had a parole hearing during January 1998. He was turned down.  However, he was approved for parole on June 17, 2002.

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Patrolman David L. Cole P160

Age: 23

Served 5 years
July 20, 1969 to July 17, 1974

On July 17, 1974, about 12:40 a.m., Patrolmen David Cole (Car 706), of 1438 Tallberry, and Richard Newsom (Car 705) were dispatched to a report of a burglary in progress at the United Dairy Farmers at 2372 Florence Avenue near Gilbert Avenue.  Lieutenant Robert Morgan, Sergeant Handy Matthews and Patrolmen Robert Schulte, Richard Sizemore, Daniel O’Malley, Gary Viering, Terry Kramer and Edward Wilson also responded.  Patrolman Cole drove up Florence Avenue toward the store and found two black males walking down Florence Avenue.  Patrolman Cole stopped his vehicle near the two and walked toward them.  Roland Agustus Reaves, a 23-year-old black male from Chicago, Illinois, pulled a Rossi .38 caliber revolver and shot Patrolman Cole.  Ricardo Lewis Woods, a 24-year-old black male of 2035 Auburn Avenue, Apartment 106, pulled a .22 revolver and also shot him.  Patrolman Cole returned four shots from his Smith & Wesson Model 10 .38 caliber revolver, and then fell to the ground.  Reaves walked over to Patrolman Cole, stood over him and shot him as he lay on the ground.  Patrolman Rick Sizemore ran to the sound of the gunfire and found Patrolman Cole lying in the street still alive, but shot five times in the face, torso and left arm.  He was placed on a stretcher and transported by Patrolman Schulte (Car 715) to General Hospital.  He died at 1:15 a.m. and was pronounced by Dr. R. Rooney.  Homicide Squad Detectives Ernest Thompson and Edward Ledwin responded to the scene.  Homicide Squad Commander, Lieutenant Daniel Cash responded and took charge of the investigation.

Patrolman Cole left a wife, Cheryl, and is buried in Saint Peters Cemetery, New Richmond, Ohio.

Lieutenant Cash, Sergeant Paul Morgan and Detectives Robert Meiszer, William Dunn, Frank Sefton, Ed Heinzelman, George Ebbers and Jerry Gramke arrested Roland Reaves at 10:00 a.m. on July 18, 1974, at 2035 Auburn Avenue.  During the investigation, detectives found that on February 10, 1972, Chicago Police had found the body of Jeanette Reaves, Rowland’s wife, in the locked trunk of a cab stolen on February 8.  She had frozen to death.  A Chicago judge released Reaves on Murder charges on May 8, 1972, because he had not been brought to a preliminary hearing in a timely manner.  Chicago Police signed a fresh warrant on May 9, 1972, but had no further contact with him before the Cole killing.  Reaves confessed to killing Patrolman Cole, was charged and convicted and sentenced to die by electrocution, but his death penalty was commuted to life imprisonment.  During June 2005, he was incarcerated at the London Correctional Institute.  He has a parole hearing scheduled for May 2007.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and state and county agencies arrested Ricardo Woods on July 19, 1974, at 510 Plainwood Avenue, Stonewood, West Virginia.  He confessed to the killing, was charged, convicted and sentenced to die by electrocution, but his death penalty was commuted to life.  He was incarcerated until September 2, 1994, and released on parole.  His whereabouts are unknown, but his last known address was in California.

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Sergeant Charles F. Handorf S64

Age: 49

Served 22 years
September 15, 1952 to December 8, 1974

On December 8, 1974, at 1:45 a.m., Sergeant Handorf and other officers surrounded a house on Home City Avenue. Inside, Herbert Merz, a thirty-eight year old white male, of 6438 Home City Avenue, barricaded himself after having fired shots from the house. Sergeant Handorf was crouched down below a rock wall along the driveway. Merz fired a shot from the second floor window striking Handorf in the head, killing him. The other officers returned fire, killing Merz. Sergeant Handorf was transported to General Hospital by Phemann and Rinear where he was pronounced dead by Dr. Troop at 3:00 a.m. Sergeant Handorf left a wife.

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Police Officer William J. Loftin P465

Age: 35

Served almost 9 years
September 25, 1966 to August 26, 1975

On August 26, 1975, at 10:45 p.m., Officer Loftin was investigating a report of a person discharging a firearm at a bar at 3450 Burnet Avenue. Outside the bar, he met with a man who matched the description; Cleophus Collins, a fifty-three year old black male. Collins shot and killed Officer Loftin with a handgun. Collins was arrested by Officers Robb and Payton of District 7.

Cleophus Collins was sentenced to die in the electric chair, but the sentence was commuted to life. During June 2006, he was incarcerated in the Pickaway Correctional Institute. He has a parole hearing scheduled for June 2010.

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Sergeant Robert A. Lally S114

Age: 38

Served 19 years
June 18, 1956 to December 8, 1975

On December 8, 1975, at 12:55 a.m., within fifty minutes of one year after Sergeant Handorf was killed, Sergeant Lally was checking the rear entrance of a business at 5552 Colerain Avenue.  Richard Strunk, a thirty-year-old white male of 5424 Hamilton Avenue, came out the back door and shot Sergeant Lally.  Still alive, Sergeant Lally was transported to General Hospital, where he died and was pronounced by Dr. Palmer, at 1:32 a.m.

 Strunk was arrested by Detective Snodderly of Homicide and charged with Involuntary Manslaughter.  He claimed that he thought Sergeant Lally was a burglar.  During May 1976, Richard Strunk was sentenced to one to ten years imprisonment.  He was paroled less than one year later, on April 19, 1977.

 Sergeant Lally’s brother, Donald Lally, retired  from the Deer Park Police Department as its Chief.  As of 2007, four nieces and nephews also served law enforcement: Sergeant Joseph Lally of the Cheviot Police Department, Deputy Michael Lally of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department; Police Officer Ann (Lally) Hall of the Cincinnati Police Department, and Judy Lally of the Hamilton County Central Warrant Processing Unit.

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Police Officer Charles Burdsall P87

Age: 29

Served 5½ years
October 29, 1972 to July 15, 1978

On July 15, 1978, at 12:10 a.m., Officer Burdsall stopped a vehicle which he suspected was involved in an armed robbery minutes before at the King Kwik convenience store at McMicken and Dixmyth Avenues. He stopped the car at 3001 West McMicken Avenue. As he approached the car, either Wayne Reed or Russell Bell, both black males, shot Burdsall with a handgun. A Police Cadet riding with Burdsall ran from the passenger side of the police cruiser, pulled Burdsall's revolver, and shot at the suspects as the car pulled away. Police Officer Phillips was the first officer on the scene. Still alive, Officer Burdsall was taken to General Hospital, where he died and was pronounced by Dr. Stanton, at 4:30 a.m. Several bullet holes in the car later helped identify Reed and Bell.

Officer Burdsall left a wife, Karen. His brother, Donald Burdsall, retired as a Lieutenant from the Police Department several years later.

Wayne Reed was sentenced to die in the electric chair, but his sentence was commuted to life. During June 2006, he was incarcerated at the Madison Correctional Institute. He has a parole hearing scheduled February 2011.

Russell Bell was sentenced to die in the electric chair, but his sentence was commuted to life. During June 2006, he was incarcerated at the London Correctional Institute. He has a parole hearing scheduled June 2008.

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Police Officer Robert Seifert P735

Age: 31

Served: 8 years
February 28, 1971 to March 6, 1979

Police Officer Dennis Bennington P82

Age: 27

Served: 9½ years
July 20, 1969 to March 6, 1979

On March 6, 1979, at 1 a.m., Officer Seifert stopped a vehicle he suspected of being driven by Gregory Daniels, a twenty-eight year old black male of 2006 Vine Street wanted for an Aggravated Robbery warrant from December 1978. Officer Bennington, covering Seifert, parked his vehicle and approached from across the street, walking directly toward and perpendicular to the driver's door, while Seifert approached from the rear. Daniels, while getting out of the car, pointed a revolver at Officer Bennington, fired, and struck him in the middle of the chest, destroying the top of his heart and knocking him down. Daniels, while getting back into the car, fired over his shoulder at Officer Seifert striking him in the head as he dove for cover behind the car. Officer Bennington got up, drew his revolver and fired at Daniels as he pulled away, striking Daniels in the head, killing him instantly. Sharon Johnson, FB25, also of 2206 Vine Street, a passenger in Daniels' car, was slightly wounded in the exchange. Officer Art Evans was the first officer on the scene. Officer Seifert, still alive, was taken to Bethesda Oak (one block from the shooting). He died and was pronounced by Dr. Greiner at 3:09 a.m. He was transported to the morgue by Officer Tom VonLeuhrte. Officer Bennington was also taken to Bethesda Oak, but his injuries were irreparable. He died and was pronounced by Dr. Gonzalez, at 2:27 a.m. He was transported to the morgue by Broering.
Both officers left wives.

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Police Officer Melvin Henze P279

Age: 28

Served 8 years
February 28, 1971 to may 5, 1979

On May 5, 1979, at 1:30 p.m., Officer Henze searched for and found Percy Wilson, a twenty-eight year old black male of 126 Mulberry Street, who was wanted for Felonious Assault on a black female. Wilson fled on foot down Naeher Alley and Officer Henze pursued in his cruiser. While Office Henze was driving past a building at 925 Naeher Alley, Wilson came out from behind the building and shot Officer Henze five times in the upper body through his open car window. Officer Nick Misch was first on the scene. Wilson was arrested by Misch and Officer Wes Sullivan, both of District One, near the scene. Officer Henze, still alive, was transported to General Hospital where he died and was pronounced by Dr. Storer, at 2:28 p.m. Officer Bruce Scholl transported him to the morgue. Officer Henze left a five year old daughter, Kathleen (Kate).

Percy Wilson was tried and convicted and sentenced to twenty-two years to life. During June 2005, he was incarcerated at the London Correctional Institute. He has a parole hearing scheduled during November 2006.

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With nine violent deaths of police officers in less than eight years, the Cincinnati City Council commissioned a task force to study possible equipment changes to increase the safety of the officers. Subsequently, officers were issued ballistic vests, .357 revolvers, ballistic clip boards, five cell flashlights, and improved patrol vehicles. It would be almost eight years before another officer would be murdered.

Police Officer James (Gary) Weber P479

Age: 35

Served 8 years
September 8, 1974 to September 8, 1982

On September 8, 1982, at 11:35 p.m., at 2787 River Road, Police Officers Weber, of 5684 Biscayne, and Charles Klug, of Delhi, were investigating a suspicious auto to which they had been dispatched. Stephen James, a thirty-five year old, highly intoxicated white male, of 344 Resor, was driving his Chevrolet Corvette at a high rate of speed inbound on River Road, striking the parked car which the officers were investigating, and catching the officers between his car and the parked car. The Corvette careened off the parked car, carrying Officer Weber with it, and into a utility pole. Officer Weber was killed instantly while Officer Klug suffered massive injuries including two nearly detached legs. Officer David Fow was the first car on the scene. Officer Weber was transported to University Hospital and he was pronounced dead at 3:30 a.m. on the 9th.

James was arrested by Officer Roger Smallwood of Traffic Section. He was charged with Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, convicted, and sentence to 1½ years imprisonment.

fficer Weber left a wife and children. Officer Klug's injuries were such that he was retired and continues to occasionally require operations, 26 by January 2006, including his legs, back, neck and a complete knee replacement in 1997. He later came back to work as a Police Technician and retired again during 2005.

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Police Officer Clifford George P339

Age: 40

Served 15½ years
October 24, 1971 to April 16, 1987

On April 16, 1987, at 1:06 a.m., Police Officer Clifford George of 3755 Hanley Road, White Oak, responded to 2249 Vine Street to see a complainant about her brother, Melvin Moreland, a thirty-three year old black male of Saint Louis, Missouri.  Officer George spoke with Moreland and Moreland agreed to go with Officer George to the Greyhound Bus station and purchase a ticket to Dallas, Texas.  However, at the street by the officer’s vehicle, Moreland began yelling.  Officer George attempted to place Moreland in handcuffs.  A struggle ensued and Officer George broadcast a request for assistance.  Moreland, who also had a quantity of Cocaine in his system, gained control of Officer George’s duty weapon, a Smith & Wesson Model 65 .357 Magnum revolver, from his holster and shot him in the top of the shoulder.  The bullet went down into Officer George’s chest and he fell to his knees mortally wounded.  Moreland shot at witnesses twice, then went back to Officer George, picked him up by the collar of his shirt and shot him again in the back of the neck.  Moreland then ran down Vine Street, then between two buildings at 2239 Vine Street into the rear yard and into a wooded area.

Police Officers Thomas Lind, Richard Newsom and John Ott were the first on the scene.  Officers Charles Beaver and Ralph Unger arrived and administered first aid.  Sergeant Dale Bley directed officers to surround the wooded area and wait for canine to respond. 

Police Officers Gerald Norton and Steve Fromholt and Norton's canine partner, Bandit, searched and found Moreland, naked and still carrying Officer George's sidearm. The officers ordered him to drop the firearm. Instead, he raised the revolver toward the officers. Bandit lunged at Moreland.  Moreland and Officer Norton fired revolvers and Fromholt fired a shotgun in what was described as a single volley of shotgun and small arms fire.  In the exchange, Bandit and Moreland were killed.  The shot that killed Bandit passed through and struck Officer Norton in the leg. Officer Norton was treated and released.

Officer George was transported to University Hospital and pronounced dead by Dr. Crafton at 1:50 a.m.  He left a wife, Barbara, a son, Jeff, and two daughters, Jennifer and Paige.  Jennifer became a Cincinnati Police Officer during July 1998 and Jeff is a Marine. Barbara George heads up information technology at the Metropolitan Sewer District.

After Officer George's death, Cincinnati officers were issued 9mm semiautomatic pistols and security holsters.  Semiautomatic pistols were found to be more easily disabled by an officer during a struggle for his firearm.  The security holster makes it much more difficult to pull a firearm from an officer's holster.  No Cincinnati officer has been killed with his own sidearm since.

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Police Specialist Ronald Jeter PS121

Age: 34

Served: 4 years
February 7, 1993 to December 6, 1997

Police Officer Daniel Pope P256

Age: 35

Served: 6 years
September 15, 1991 to December 6, 1997

Just before midnight, on December 5, 1997, Specialist Ron Jeter and Officer Dan Pope searched for and found Alonzo Davenport, a 19 year old black male wanted for a felony Domestic Violence, at 23 West Hollister, a few blocks north of where the last slain Cincinnati officer, Cliff George, was killed ten years earlier. Davenport had concealed in the small of his back a revolver. While the officers were inside the residence, Davenport pulled the revolver and shot each officer once in the head, killing both instantly. He ran from the scene, saw other officers at Vine and McMillan Streets, and shot himself in the head, killing himself. Specialist Jeter, a former United States Marine, left a mother, fiance, and children. Officer Pope left his father, a retired police officer, mother, and wife, Linda, a Cincinnati Fire Fighter.

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Patrolman Michael Partin

Served 15 Months

Officer Michael Partin of the Covington Police Department died while assisting a fellow officer with a foot pursuit on January 4, 1998. While crossing from the roadway of the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge to the bridge walkway, Officer Partin fell to his death in the Ohio River. After an extensive search, the body of Officer Partin was recovered on May 18, 1998.

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Police Officer Kevin C. Crayon P347

Age: 40

Served 4 years 2 months
July 7, 1996 to September 1, 2000

On September 1, 2000, Police Officer Kevin Crayon found a young male black (later identified as a 12 year old) getting in to drive a car in the UDF parking lot at Colerain and Kirby. Officer Crayon ordered him to stop. Instead, the youth backed the car toward some children and their mother in the parking lot. Officer Crayon ran to and reached into the car, apparently to stop its progress rearward motion. He was successful, but the youth pulled forward and onto Colerain Avenue with the officer in tow. While being dragged, after traveling and accelerating some 800 feet, Officer Crayon shot the youth and was released from the car. His momentum carried him to the undercarrage of a car stopped in traffic. The impact killed him instantly. The youth struck another car and continued onto his home where his family called for EMS response. The youth died of his wound a few hours later. Officer Crayon, a United States Army veteran, left his mother, Barbara Crayon Allbright, three children, Kevin II, Christopher, and Brittany, and three brothers and a sister.

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"A Part of America Died"

Somebody killed a Policeman today,
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect that shot him will stand up in court,
with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.
The beat that he walked was a battle field too,
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
in your hometown or in mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each rookies side.
He answered the call, of himself gave his all,
And A Part Of America Died.

Acknowledgements:

Information and scrapbook pictures for Patrolman Hicks provided by Molly Hasselbeck, daughter.

Information on Charles Doran, Sargent Willie, and William Sorrell provided by Lt. Harry D. Thomas (RET).

Much information provided by old newspaper clippings, et al., by Sgt. Edward Collins (RET).

Information from original dedication of Police Memorial provided by Sgt. Thomas Waller.

The narratives before 1950 were derived primarily from newspaper accounts. Those after 1950 and before 1971 were gleaned from offense and incident reports. Those since 1971 were garnered from offense and incident reports as well as anecdotal recollections of the officers still serving.

We would appreciate any pictures, clippings, facts, artifacts, and/or information concerning any local officer killed in the line of duty or their dependents, spouses, and descendants. If you can assist us, please contact the Police Historical Society at (513) 352-3578.