Police Officer Martin W. Yawarsky

Police Officer Martin W. Yawarsky

Columbus Division of Police, Ohio

End of Watch Saturday, September 6, 1980

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Martin W. Yawarsky

Officer Martin Yawarsky was killed in an automobile crash while responding to a disturbance call at 26th and Hamilton Avenues intersection in Columbus.

Officer Yawarky and another officer had arrested an intoxicated man who had brandished a gun. The subject was in the back of their police wagon when they received a disturbance call. Heading southbound on Hamilton Avenue with their lights on, they were struck by another police cruiser with its lights on. The cruiser was driving west on the one-way street on its way to the same disturbance call. The wagon flipped over on top of a car that was stopped at the light and crashed into a yard before bursting into flames.

Both officers driving were hospitalized. The passengers in the stopped car were slightly injured. The prisoner and Officer Yawarky were dead at the scene.

Officer Yawarsky had served with the Columbus Division of Police for two years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

  • Age 25
  • Tour 2 years
  • Badge 1015

Incident Details

  • Cause Automobile crash

disturbance, prisoner custody, transport, vehicle crash, weapons violation

Most Recent Reflection

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NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Martin W. Yawarsky of the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio, and the additional 63 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

September 6, 2024

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