Ravenna Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Saturday, January 31, 1981
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: January 31, 1981
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Charged
Patrolman James Wert was struck and killed by a drunk driver while making an arrest of a second drunk driver at 1:33 am on State Route 88.
Patrolman Wert's partner was also struck and injured. The suspect who struck the officers fled the scene but was arrested at his home a short time later.
The 17-year-old driver was charged with drunk driving, hit-and-run, and involuntary manslaughter.
Patrolman Wert had previously served as a United States Army Military Policeman before joining the Ravenna Police Department. He was survived by his wife, parents, sister, and two brothers. One of his brothers later joined the Ravenna Police Department.