Shaker Heights Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Monday, October 20, 1924
Add to My HeroesMichael J. Hahnel
Patrolman Michael Hahnel was shot and killed while transporting two men to jail.
He and another officer had stopped a car for speeding at Moreland Boulevard and Lee Road and placed the two men under arrest. Unbeknownst to the officers, the two men were driving a stolen car and had just robbed a gas station. Patrolman Hahnel was riding in the backseat of their car, which was being driven to the police station when one of the occupants suddenly turned and shot him. The two then threw his body into a field on Ashwood Road, near East 140th Street, and fled.
Patrolman Hahnel succumbed to his wounds four days later.
One of the suspects was executed for Patrolman Hahnel's murder on April 24, 1925. The other suspect was sentenced to life.
Patrolman Hahnel had served with the Shaker Heights Police Department for one year. He was survived by his father and seven siblings.
He is buried in St Mary's Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour 1 year
- Badge 7
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Friday, October 17, 1924
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender One executed; One sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Michael J. Hahnel of the Shaker Heights Police Department, Ohio and the additional 73 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation
October 20, 2023
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