Columbus Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch: Thursday, January 20, 2011
Age: 61
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 18, 1979
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Not available
Police Officer Tom Hayes succumbed to complications of a gunshot wound sustained 31 years earlier while attempting to arrest two teens on a curfew violation.
He had responded to a local convenience store after receiving reports of a disturbance by the two teens. The boys had been drinking, smoking marijuana, and had taken LSD. As Officer Hayes attempted to arrest them, a scuffle ensued in which one of the boys pulled out a handgun and shot him in the back. The wound caused him to become paralyzed below the waist.
Officer Hayes' continued to suffer serious health issues as the result of the wound, including the amputation of one of his legs six years prior to his death.
In March 2011, Officer Hayes' death was ruled a homicide by the Franklin County Coroner.
Prior to being shot, he had served with the Columbus Division of Police for seven years. Despite his wounds and health issues, Officer Hayes continued to work as a civilian sketch artist for the agency. He is survived by his wife.