Lima Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Friday, October 25, 1918
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 24, 1918
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Committed
Patrolman Phillip Droesch was shot and killed following the robbery of a pawn shop.
The subject had exchanged shots with officers following the robbery but was able to escape. Patrolman Droesch was off duty but had been called in to help search for the suspect. He observed a man near Jackson Street and High Street who appeared to be staggering. Thinking the man was intoxicated and injured, Patrolman Droesch approached him to give him assistance.
The subject suddenly pulled out a gun and shot Patrolman Droesch. The officer was transported to Lima City Hospital, where he died early the next morning.
The 27-year-old suspect was apprehended and convicted of murdering Patrolman Droesch. He was committed to the Lima State Hospital for the Criminally Insane. He escaped on September 4, 1928, and again on January 7, 1945.
Patrolman Droesch was survived by his wife and four children.