Patrolman Oscar J. Reinhardt

Oscar J. Reinhardt

Patrolman Reinhardt was shot and killed during a pursuit of a speeding automobile containing seven men who had just robbed patrons at the Allendale Inn, shooting and wounding two men and a woman and escaping with $6,000 to $20,000 in money and jewelry. The suspects abandoned the car in a swamp just outside of Monroe next to Lake Erie. A posse, several deputy sheriffs, and the Michigan National Guard captured five of the suspects including the gunman during a seven day manhunt. The other two were identified and later apprehended.

The 25-year-old gunman was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On September 20, 1955, his sentence was commuted to a term that made him eligible for parole.

Patrolman Reinhardt was survived by his wife. He was a World War I Veteran.