Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Friday, December 31, 1971
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 16 years
Badge Number: 3003
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 31, 1971
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Officer William Schmedding was shot and killed after responding to a report of a robbery in progress at Sam's Loans at an area pawn shop at 2104 Michigan Avenue at 1:40 p.m.
Officer Schmedding interrupted three suspects who fired on him. Officer Schmedding emptied his revolver trying to return fire but was killed while trying to reload. One suspect was shot and killed, two were wounded during a shootout with responding officers.
Although the two wounded suspects were convicted, the convictions were overturned in 1981.
Officer Schmedding served with the Detroit Police Department for 16 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and twin daughters.