Mansfield Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Friday, February 6, 1976
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 6, 1976
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Patrolman Michael Hutchison was shot and killed when he and his partner responded to a grocery store where a man attempted to cash a check stolen the day before during a purse snatching.
When they arrived at the T and A Market at 660 South Diamond Street in Mansfield at 4:15 p.m., the subject ran from the building with Patrolman Hutchison in pursuit. When Patrolman Hutchison caught up to the man, he was shot in the arm and knocked down. As he was on the ground, the man shot him again in the side. The suspect also shot and wounded Patrolman Hutchison's partner before stealing both of their weapons.
The suspect and two accomplices were apprehended a short time later. The 32-year-old gunman was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death on May 27, 1976. In 1978, his sentence was commuted to life. In October 2010, he was denied parole for the 4th time. He was denied parole again in October 2015 and 2022. His next parole hearing date is December 2027.
Patrolman Hutchison had served with the Mansfield Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, parents, and a brother who served with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.