Patrolman William J. Otis

William J. Otis

Patrolman William Otis was killed by a gunshot while he and his partner responded to a burglary in progress call at a home on Centre Avenue in Oakland. The owner of the residence, thinking Officer Otis was the burglar, shot him as he entered a hallway.

Patrolman Otis was taken to University of Pittsburgh Presbyterian Hospital where he died within the hour.

Patrolman Otis had served with the Pittsburgh Police Department for 13 months and was a member of the Army Reserves where he served in the Vietnam War. He was survived by his wife, two year old son, and parents, and sister.