Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch: Monday, April 7, 1969
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 7, 1969
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Detective John Apanites was shot and killed as he and another officer questioned two shoplifting suspects, a 27-year-old man and his 20-year-old female companion, at a local clothing store on Euclid Avenue.
As the officers waited for a patrol car to arrive, a struggle ensued between the officers and the male suspect. The suspect and the officers exchanged gunshots, and all four were wounded. The suspect fled to a city bus, where he was arrested by a patrolman.
Detective Apanites died at the scene, and his partner was seriously wounded.
The suspect was sentenced to death for Detective Apanites' murder. His sentence was later commuted to life. He was denied parole in February 2016. He will be eligible for parole again on December 1, 2025.
Detective Apanites was a United States Marine Corps veteran who served with the Cleveland Police Department for 18 months and had previously served with the FBI for six months. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, and father, who had also served with the Cleveland Police Department.