Butler Township Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 12, 1976
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Badge Number: 20
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: October 12, 1976
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Charged with murder
Patrolman Jahn Schmidt was struck and killed while conducting a roadblock on Miller Lane near Kristen Lane in Butler Township.
He and other deputies were attempting to stop a stolen vehicle driven by a 15-year-old juvenile when he was struck. Patrolman Schmidt was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect was apprehended and charged with murder and traffic violations. On October 28, 1979, the suspect, with a serious drug problem, jumped to his death from a water tower in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Patrolman Schmidt was a United States Navy Vietnam War veteran and served with the Butler Township Police Department for over one year. He was survived by his wife, parents, and brother.
He is buried in Mound Hill Union Cemetery, Eaton, Preble County, Ohio.