Woodlawn Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Saturday, February 9, 1985
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: February 9, 1985
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Not available
Police Specialist David Massel was killed when his patrol car was struck head-on by a drunk driver on Ohio Route 4 (Springfield Pike) at 12:30 a.m.
The driver was speeding, crossed the center lines, and collided with the patrol car. Witnesses pulled Specialist Massel out of the burning vehicle.
The intoxicated driver was also killed in the collision.
Specialist Massel had served with the Woodlawn Police Department for seven years and founded the Woodlawn Crime Prevention Program. He was survived by his mother.