Lucas County Sheriff's Department, Ohio
End of Watch Tuesday, May 29, 1956
Add to My HeroesRay Westover
Deputy Sheriff Ray Westover was shot and killed as he and a state trooper searched three men they had stopped in a stolen vehicle on Ohio State Route 2 and Wynn Road in Oregon, Ohio. The trooper shot one suspect as Deputy Westover's killer fled in the car, leaving his two companions behind.
The suspect fled into Toledo, where he lost control of the vehicle as he attempted to swerve around a police roadblock in front of St. Charles Hospital. Just before he crashed, he struck and killed a 19-year-old woman and seriously injured a blind man she was helping cross the street.
The 35-year-old suspect who shot Deputy Westover was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. His sentence was commuted to life in 1972 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled all death sentences unconstitutional.
Deputy Westover had served with the Lucas County Sheriff's Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and four children.
Bio
- Age 33
- Tour 3 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; Luger
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Ray Westover of the Lucas County Sheriff's Department, Ohio and the additional 70 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorneys General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation
May 29, 2025
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