Columbus Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch Sunday, April 29, 2001
Add to My HeroesChristopher Neal Claypool
Lieutenant Christopher Claypool was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while at the scene of another accident at Refugee Road near the intersection of Eastland Mall at 12:30 am.
As he walked across the intersection with his flashlight to check on one of the victims of the initial accident, he was struck by the suspected drunk driver, who then fled the scene.
A tip led to the suspect's arrest six months later. Since there was no evidence that the suspect was drinking or that he meant to hit Lieutenant Claypool, he was only convicted of hit-and-run and sentenced to one year. The incident led the Ohio legislature to change the penalty from one year to 5 years if a death resulted from a hit-and-run.
Lieutenant Claypool had served with the Columbus Division of Police for 13 years. He is survived by his wife and two children. He was three days shy of his 40th birthday.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 13 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
- Offender Sentenced to 1 year
Most Recent Reflection
View all 111 ReflectionsLt,
We had a nice gathering today to see the new street sign on Refugee Rd named in your honor. A big group of Officers along with your son Brian and old friends came by. I assure you that the FOP, CPD, and the Community did not forget you.
Sgt. Brian A. Steel
Columbus Division of Police
April 29, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Lieutenant Michael Hoosock
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Sergeant William Marty Jackson, II
Winchester Police Department, KY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Police Officer Ross Bartlett
Ceresco Police Department, NE
EOW: April 12, 2024
Chief of Police Steven Allen Singer
Lake Lafayette Police Department, MO
EOW: April 8, 2024
Correctional Sergeant Andrew John Faught
Illinois Department of Corrections, IL
EOW: April 8, 2024
Police Officer Joseph McKinney
Memphis Police Department, TN
EOW: April 12, 2024