Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Wednesday, January 16, 1974
Add to My HeroesEdward Pakula, Jr.
Officer Edward Pakula and Sergeant Leonard Todd were shot and killed after responding to a call from a barricaded gunman.
As soon as they arrived at the gunman's residence at 14021 Mayfield Street, they were met with a hail of bullets. Two other officers were seriously wounded before the suspect was talked into giving himself up. The suspect had been under psychiatric care for several months.
The suspect pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 40 to 80 years on June 4, 1974. He died in prison on June 27, 1975.
Officer Pakula was a United States Marine and had served with the Detroit Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife and child.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 4 years
- Badge 1906
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Died in prison
Related LODD Deaths
Sergeant Leonard M. Todd
Detroit Police Department, MI
EOW: January 16, 1974
Most Recent Reflection
View all 17 ReflectionsI have a vivid memory of this incident that occurred just before I turned 11 and along the route I used to walk to school. I was a safety patrol at Robinson Elementary and this was near my Beat. From the bullet holes in the side of the house, to the blood stains on the ground from the fallen officers. I will never forget this incident nor the ultimate sacrifice that they made on that fateful day for the community and citizens they served!
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January 15, 2023
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