Patrol Officer Gordon Elmer Stotz

Patrol Officer Gordon Elmer Stotz | Winter Haven Police Department, Florida Patrol Officer Gordon Elmer Stotz | Winter Haven Police Department, FloridaPatrol Officer Gordon Elmer Stotz | Winter Haven Police Department, Florida
Winter Haven Police Department, Florida
Patrol Officer Gordon Elmer Stotz | Winter Haven Police Department, Florida Patrol Officer Gordon Elmer Stotz | Winter Haven Police Department, FloridaPatrol Officer Gordon Elmer Stotz | Winter Haven Police Department, Florida
Patrol Officer Gordon Elmer Stotz

Winter Haven Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Wednesday, March 28, 1956

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Gordon Elmer Stotz

Patrol Officer Gordon Stotz was killed in an automobile crash while pursuing another vehicle on the Lucerne Park Road, near Flornce Villa , shortly before midnight.

He and his partner had observed a vehicle speeding near Avenue One, NW, and began to pursue it, reaching speeds of over 100 mph. The patrol car that Officer Stotz was riding in left the roadway and struck a large oak tree, causing him to be ejected. The officer who was driving sustained serious injuries.

The vehicle being pursued also crashed nearby and the occupants were taken into custody.

Officer Stotz was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of WWII and had served with the Winter Haven Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

  • Age 31
  • Tour 3 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicle pursuit
  • Weapon Automobile
  • Offender Apprehended

single vehicle crash, vehicle pursuit

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Dear Daddy,
Happy New Year. All of you, my entire family are all with you. I am still living a mortal life, but each year they become more difficult and I feel more alone. 2020 was a horrible year for our earth. Innocent Police Officers ambushed & murdered for no reason. Please dad know you are in my heart. When God decides to bring me Home, please come to me, I so want to meet you. My Love,, “Peanut”

Cheryl Stotz Tillman
Daughter

January 1, 2021

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