Marion City Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Friday, August 19, 1910
Age: 43
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 18, 1910
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Case never solved
Patrolman Hostetter was shot and killed while attempting to arrest an armed robbery suspect.
Patrolman Hostetter and another officer were searching the Erie railroad yard for two suspects wanted in connection with the robbery. As Patrolman Hostetter ordered one of the men out of a railroad car, the second suspect opened fire on him, mortally wounding him. Patrolman Hostetter succumbed to his wounds the following day.
Both suspects fled the scene. A man was arrested and charged with his murder but was acquitted at trial. The case remains unsolved.
Patrolman Hostetter had served with the Marion City Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife and four children.