St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch Friday, July 8, 1966
Add to My HeroesHarry W. Oebels
Sergeant Harry Oebels was shot and killed when he intervened in a robbery at a pharmacy at 4221 Bayless Avenue in Lemay.
He had gone to the pharmacy to pick up his wife from work when two men entered and announced a holdup. When the two men ordered Sergeant Oebels to come closer, he drew his revolver and exchanged shots with the suspects. He was fatally wounded in the exchange of shots. One of his shots struck one of the suspects in the buttocks.
Two years later, the suspect was taken into custody on an unrelated charge. He underwent surgery to have the slug removed because of pain. The slug was held as evidence and linked the man to Sergeant Oebel's murder. The suspect was sentenced to death but had the sentence commuted to life in prison.
Sergeant Oebels had been with the agency for 18 years and was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 18 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsI was one of the first two County officers to arrive on scene that night. It has remained with me all this time.
Robert Counts, Former Patrolman
St. Louis County police
September 8, 2020
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