Correctional Officer Gary P. Underwood

Correctional Officer Gary P. Underwood

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, July 24, 1973

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Gary P. Underwood

Correctional Officer Gary Underwood was accidentally shot and killed by another officer as guards overpowered an inmate who was holding him and two other guards hostage. The suspect had just shot and killed Officer Arthur Sprouse with a pistol that had been smuggled to him.

A guard who had recently been fired was charged with smuggling the gun to the inmate. The inmate, who was serving a life sentence for murder, was convicted of Officer Sprouse's murder and received another life sentence.

Officer Underwood had served with the agency for two years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

  • Age 24
  • Tour 2 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)

crossfire, escape attempt

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 Correctional Officer Gary P. Underwood of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio and the additional 70 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

July 24, 2023

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