Login | About Us | Contact Us | Search Connect With ODMP Facebook Twitter
ODMP Remembers...

Patrolman Walter May | Erie Police Department, Pennsylvania Erie Police Department, Pennsylvania

Patrolman

Walter May

Erie Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch: Wednesday, November 30, 1949

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 45

Tour: 22 years

Badge # Not available

Cause: Gunfire

Incident Date: 11/18/1949

Weapon: Gun; Unknown type

Suspect: Committed

· Leave a Reflection
· Add to My Heroes
· Update this memorial

Share this memorial:
Email to a Friend

Patrolman Walter May and Sergeant Leo Waldinger were shot and killed while attempting to apprehend a hostage taker at the G. Daniel Baldwin Building at 10th and State Streets. An irate WWII veteran had taken a US Veterans Administration director hostage at the location. Sergeant Waldinger, who was off duty but responded to the call anyway, and Patrolman May arrived at the scene at the same time and attempted to persuade the suspect to release the hostage. When the officers saw an opening they attempted to rush the suspect but were both shot and fatally wounded.

Both officers were transported to a local hospital where they succumbed to their injuries several days later. The suspect was apprehended and committed to a mental hospital. He died at age 65 on December 16, 1986, at Warren State Hospital.

Patrolman May had been with the agency for 22 years and was survived by his wife and six children.

Leave a Reflection · Update Memorial

Related Line of Duty Deaths

Sergeant Leo Waldinger
Erie Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Saturday, November 26, 1949
Cause: Gunfire

View all 3 Reflections

Most Recent Reflection

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 62nd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05
November 30, 2011

 

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now:

(will show below Reflection)
(will show below Reflection)
(e-mail remains private)
Remember my rank, agency and email address
I have read and agree to the Reflections Terms of Use
 
All 2012 Deaths