Officer Down Memorial Page - http://www.odmp.org

Patrolman William J. Otis | Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania

Patrolman

William J. Otis

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania

End of Watch: Wednesday, March 3, 1971

Biographical Info

Age: 23
Tour of Duty: 1 year, 1 month
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 3, 1971
Weapon Used: Handgun; .32 caliber
Suspect Info: No charges filed

Patrolman William Otis was killed by a gunshot while he and his partner responded to a burglary in progress call at a home on Centre Avenue in Oakland. The owner of the residence, thinking Officer Otis was the burglar, shot him as he entered a hallway.

Patrolman Otis was taken to Presbyterian University Hospital where he died within the hour.

Patrolman Otis was a U.S Army Reserves veteran and had served with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for 13 months. He was survived by his wife, two year old son, and parents, and sister. He was assigned to the Zone 4 Police Station Oakland.