East Cleveland Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Wednesday, December 25, 1918
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 19, 1918
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Life in prison
Detective Patrick Gaffney succumbed to a gunshot wound when he was shot at Elm Street and Coit Road area after responding to a report of two men trying to steal a car.
As Detective Gaffney and his partner arrived, the suspects immediately opened fire. During the ensuing foot pursuit and shootout, Detective Gaffney was transported to the East Cleveland Hospital where he died from being struck in the lung.
The suspect who shot Detective Gaffney was eventually apprehended and sentenced to life in prison on December 12, 1920. He died in prison on July 27, 1937.
Detective Gaffney had served with the East Cleveland Police Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife.