Detective William D. Woods

Detective William D. Woods

Louisville Police Department, Kentucky

End of Watch Saturday, November 25, 1933

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William D. Woods

Detective William Woods was shot and killed while on an undercover narcotics operation on 7th Street near Walnut Street (Present Day Muhammad Ali Boulevard). He and his partner were sitting in an unmarked patrol car attempting to identify and arrest drug abusers. A man who was high was looking for a dope dealer with the last name Woods. Detective Woods was pointed out to the suspect as being Woods. The man went up to the car and shot Detective Woods without warning. His partner shot and wounded the suspect.

The suspect, 28, was apprehended in Dayton, Ohio, a few days later. He pled guilty and was sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled in October of 1943.

Detective Woods was the first black police officer with his agency to be murdered in the line of duty. He had served with the Louisville Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and a daughter.

Bio

  • Age 48
  • Tour 11 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .32 caliber
  • Offender Paroled in 1943

narcotics, undercover

Most Recent Reflection

View all 6 Reflections

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 78th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 25, 2011

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