Sergeant William A. Prochazka, Bedford Heights Police Department, Ohio

Sergeant William A. Prochazka

Bedford Heights Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Monday, November 10, 1975

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William A. Prochazka

Sergeant William Prochazka was shot and killed when he interrupted a robbery in progress at a local paint store at the Southgate Shopping Center.

He went to the store to drop off mug shots while investigating a robbery of the store from several weeks earlier. He was shot in the neck as he walked through the rear door.

Three suspects were arrested in Cleveland a short time later. The fourth suspect was arrested in Detroit on September 8, 1976, for breaking and entering. He gave a false name, but a fingerprint check revealed his true identity. All four, 18, 18, 19, and 19, were sentenced to death, but their sentences were commuted to life in 1977. One of the four, the getaway driver, was released in 2003. Two will be eligible for parole in 2025. Another was denied parole in May of 2021.

Sergeant Prochazka had served with the Bedford Heights Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

Age 41
Tour 11 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Commuted to life

investigation, robbery

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Most Recent Reflection

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What a wonderful guy, neighbor and role model. I remember that day like it was yesterday. That tragedy had a huge impact on me as my father was also a police officer. All the kids in the neighborhood truly loved that man. A police officer, a role model, neighbor, father and husband was taken away from us on that horrific day. I can only hope that since the death penalty was taken off the table that these thugs remain behind bars for life.

Tim Trojan
Neighbor and friend of the family

April 9, 2025