Muskingum County Sheriff's Department, Ohio
End of Watch Tuesday, January 8, 2002
Add to My HeroesRobert Michael Tanner, Jr.
Deputy Robert Tanner was shot and killed after being flagged down in a residential area in Zanesville.
He was on patrol when he radioed dispatch that he was being flagged down and gave them a license plate number to check. Shortly there after Deputy Tanner radioed dispatch again, but when dispatch answered, he did not answer. With no response, dispatch sent a backup. He was found by a passerby with a gunshot wound next to his vehicle. His service weapon was still in its holster.
Three suspects were apprehended later in the evening during a massive search after other officers located the car with the license plate Deputy Tanner had called in. The three suspects fled the scene but were all apprehended in a wooded area. The 28-year-old shooter pled guilty to all charges and was sentenced to life without parole.
Deputy Tanner had served with the Muskingum County Sheriff's Department for eight years. He is survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 8 years
- Badge 17
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 178 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Robert Michael Tanner, Jr. of the Muskingum County Sheriff's Department, Ohio and the additional 67 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation
January 8, 2023
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