Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch: Sunday, June 25, 2000
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: 1338
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 25, 2000
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to death
Police Officer Wayne Leon was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop at East 40th Street and Community College.
When Officer Leon exited his vehicle, the subject approached and shot Officer Leon in the face. Officer Leon was transported to a local hospital where he passed away.
The 29-year-old suspect escaped after being involved in a chase with other officers but was arrested later in the day. The man was on parole from a 10-year sentence for a 1995 attempted robbery conviction. He was found guilty of the aggravated murder of a police officer in November 2000 and sentenced to death. His execution is scheduled for January 2026.
Officer Leon had served with the Cleveland Police Department for six years. He is survived by his wife and three young children.
A section of Lorain Avenue located in front of St. Ignatius High School was renamed the Officer Wayne Leon Memorial Highway.