Steubenville Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Thursday, July 2, 1914
Add to My HeroesLafayette Mercer
Patrolman Lafayette Mercer was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for threatening his wife at his home on Adams Street. The man, who was drunk and high on drugs, was known to Patrolman Mercer. After talking to the man for a short time Patrolman Mercer told him he would have to go to jail.
As Patrolman Mercer stood up the suspect pulled a .32 caliber revolver from his pocket and started firing. Despite being shot four times, Patrolman Mercer was able to return fire and fatally wounded the suspect.
Patrolman Mercer had served with the agency for 20 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, mother, and several brothers and sisters.
Bio
- Age 52
- Tour 20 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .32 caliber
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Lafayette Mercer of the Steubenville Police Department, Ohio and the additional 86 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation
July 2, 2023
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