Constable William L. Smith

Constable William L. Smith

Willard Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Monday, November 27, 1899

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William L. Smith

Constable William Smith was shot and killed in Plymouth by a suspect who had just been arrested on a warrant for threatening to kill the Plymouth marshal.

The marshal had requested Constable Smith come to Plymouth from Chicago Junction to assist with serving the warrant. After placing the suspect under arrest at his residence, Constable Smith and the marshal let the suspect re-enter his home to retrieve a coat. When the suspect exited the home he was holding a 12-gauge shotgun. The suspect then said "It's come to this" and fired, killing Constable Smith and wounding the marshal.

The man fled and was never apprehended.

Constable Smith served as the constable of Chicago Junction, which was renamed Willard 1917. He was survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

  • Age 40
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
  • Offender Never apprehended

warrant service

Most Recent Reflection

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NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Constable William L. Smith of the Willard Police Department, Ohio and the additional 62 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 27, 2023

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