Lieutenant George Yaros

Lieutenant George Yaros

Gary Police Department, Indiana

End of Watch Tuesday, August 11, 1981

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George Yaros

Lieutenant George Yaros was shot and killed responding to a bank robbery at the Gary National Bank at 3680 Broadway while on duty.

When Lieutenant Yaros arrived on the scene, he was shot by one of the three robbery suspects. As the suspects fled to their getaway car, the same suspect shot Lieutenant Yaros at close range. A high-speed pursuit and shootout by police resulted in the suspect's car crashing into a tree. The shooter fled on foot and with the aid of bystanders was discovered walking nearby before being apprehended.

All three suspects were charged and convicted of murder, but the jury recommended death only for the shooter with the other two suspects being sentenced to 60 years in prison. One of those offenders was discharged in February 2011 while the other was denied parole on January 22nd, 2008.

In 1993, the Indiana Supreme Court affirmed the conviction, but overturned the shooter's death sentence. Following a new jury's recommendation, he was again sentenced to death in 1996, but the Indiana Supreme Court overturned this death sentence in 2002. On October 17th, 2008, the offender was resentenced to serve a 60-year term for murder and a 14-year term for robbery under a plea agreement. He was released on February 6th, 2017, after having his sentence reduced for good behavior while in prison.

Lieutenant Yaros had served with the Gary Police Department for 29 years and was due to retire in six months to accept a job at the bank where he was killed. He served in WWII as a paratrooper for the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army and was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. He was captured by the Germans and taken to a prisoner-of-war camp, only to escape.

He was survived by his wife, son, two daughters and two grandchildren.


The Black Panthers is a racist, radical group that professed the murders of law enforcement officers. Members and former members of the group were responsible for the murders of at least 15 law enforcement officers and the wounding of dozens more across the nation.

Bio

  • Age 57
  • Tour 29 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .44 caliber
  • Offender Released in 2017

robbery

Most Recent Reflection

View all 46 Reflections

I remember this day every year. I was a rookie cop serving in neighboring Merrillville, Indiana. I was working days and when the call came out officers saturated the Glen Park area searching for the offenders. I believe that Gary officer Pastorett (sp?) located the offender vehicle, initiated the pursuit and subsequently was involved in the apprehension. I also remember talking with Gary officer Wally Jagiela (one of my on duty lunch buddies) and he had said that he just talked to George about meeting for lunch with him and was waiting for George to arrive at the Big Wheel restaurant (53rd and Broadway) when George responded to the bank alarm on his way to meet Wally. Wally left to also answer the call and as he arrived saw his friend laying on the ground murdered. That was a very dark day for everyone. Lt. Yaros was an old school cop's cop who left a very large void in the community and in his family. I'll never forget this tragic day and every August 11th I say "God bless you George." Blessings to him, his family, and the Gary Police Department.

Cpl. Greg Ostrozovich (ret.)
Merrillville Police Department

August 28, 2023

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