Bio & Incident Details
Age: 30
Tour: 9 years
Badge # 345
Cause: Heart attack
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Officer Thomas Patton suffered a fatal heart attack while chasing a suspect.
Officer Patton responded to assist another officer who was in foot pursuit of a suspect who had been harassing two women inside a convenience store. When that officer tried to make an arrest, the suspect spit in his face and fled on foot. The officer pursued and called for assistance. Officer Patton responded and joined in the pursuit, which went through the woods and several backyards.
At Glenmont and Mayfield Roads, Officer Patton bent over, rested his hands on his knees for a moment and then continued running. He collapsed shortly after.
He was transported to Huron Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Officer Patton had served with the Cleveland Heights Police Department for nine years. He is survived by his 4-month-old daughter, fiancee, five sisters, and his father, Ohio State Senator Thomas F. Patton.
