Lieutenant William J. Taylor

Lieutenant William J. Taylor

Mansfield Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Saturday, February 26, 1949

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William J. Taylor

Lieutenant Taylor was shot and mortally wounded by a gun-crazed war veteran. Lieutenant Taylor and two other officers responded to a report of a man shooting a gun in the air at 324 East 4th Street. When the officers arrived the man went into his bed room and refused to come out. When he finally agreed to come out he had a .22 cal. pistol in his hand. When Lieutenant Taylor grabbed the gun the suspect pulled away and shot the officer twice in the abdomen. One of the other officers returned fire killing the suspect. Lieutenant Taylor died from his wounds eight days later.

Lieutenant Taylor was a World War II veteran, having served as a boatswain's mate aboard an LSM in several Pacific invasions. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

  • Age 38
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Friday, February 18, 1949
  • Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
  • Offender Shot and killed

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 Lieutenant William J. Taylor of the Mansfield Police Department, Ohio and the additional 78 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

February 26, 2023

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