Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch: Saturday, December 18, 1937
Age: 43
Tour of Duty: 16 years
Badge Number: 896
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 18, 1937
Weapon Used: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect Info: One executed
Patrolman Virgil Bayne and Patrolman Gerald Bode were shot and killed while questioning five suspicious men at a gas station on Buckeye Road.
As Patrolman Bayne questioned one of the men outside of the vehicle, the suspect produced a revolver and opened fire. At the same time, the four suspects inside the car began shooting at Patrolman Bode. Both officers were able to return fire but did not strike the suspects. The officers were both shot and taken to St. Luke's Hospital where they were pronounced dead.
All five suspects were apprehended. One was sentenced to death and electrocuted. The rest were all convicted and eventually paroled.
Patrolman Bayne had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for over 16 years. He was survived by his mother, two sisters, and three brothers.