Delhi Township Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Wednesday, October 25, 1978
Age: 23
Tour of Duty: 2 months
Badge Number: 17
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Date of Incident: October 25, 1978
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 6 months
Police Officer John Bechtol was killed in an automobile crash while responding to an emergency call involving a mental subject when his patrol car was struck by another vehicle at the intersection of Delhi Pike and Pedretti Avenue.
The driver of the vehicle that struck him was convicted of vehicular homicide and sentenced to 6 months in jail and 3 years probation.
Officer Bechtol had served with the Delhi Township Police Department for only 2 months. He was survived by his wife, 4-year-old stepson, and parents.