Akron Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Saturday, October 21, 1972
Add to My HeroesStephen J. Ondas
Officer Stephen Ondas was shot and killed by the 19-year-old driver of a car he and his partner stopped for not having any headlights.
The suspect had a traffic warrant, resisted arrest, and fled. The officers pursued the suspect, and a struggle ensued near the police cruiser, where the suspect grabbed Officer Ondas' firearm, shot Officer Ondas in the chest, and then shot his partner. His partner recovered after a short stay in the hospital.
The suspect surrendered to police several hours later. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life on February 20, 1973. He will be eligible for parole on March 1, 2023.
Officer Ondas had served with the Akron Police Department for only six months. He is survived by his wife and daughter, born a few weeks after his death.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 6 months
- Badge 24
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 23 ReflectionsStephen, I remember you so well from our school years at St John the Baptist. You were always a good soul. You lost your life on my son’s fourth birthday. I did not find out about your sacrifice until a number of years later. It hurt to learn of your death. I have thought of you often over these many decades. My son recently retired as a lieutenant from Carlsbad PD. So you see, police officers have a special place in my heart. In blue unity I say, rest in peace and go with God. Ruth (Class of 1959)
Immigration Officer II
USCIS DHS
March 28, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Jacob Candanoza
Terrell Police Department, TX
EOW: December 9, 2024
Detective Allan Reddins
Oak Park Police Department, IL
EOW: November 29, 2024
Police Officer Jesse Branch
Red Lake Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: November 27, 2024
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Love
United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, US
EOW: October 19, 2024
Police Officer Cooper Dawson
Greenville Police Department, TX
EOW: November 26, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ignacio "Dan" Diaz
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 25, 2024
Deputy Constable Katherine Hutson
Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 5, TX
EOW: November 22, 2024
Major Michelle Lynn Quintero
Madison County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 27, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, Jr.
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2024