Youngstown Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Add to My HeroesMichael Thomas Hartzell
Patrolman Hartzell was shot and killed in an unprovoked attack in the downtown section of Youngstown, near Powers Auditorium, at 0220 am.
Patrolman Hartzell was returning to headquarters when he observed a suspicious vehicle in front of him at a red light. Patrolman Hartzell did not initiate a traffic stop but began to run the car's plate information. As he did so, the driver exited the car and opened fire on Patrolman Hartzell. Patrolman Hartzell was transported to St. Elizabeth's Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
The suspect fled the scene after the shooting. He was arrested in Pinellas County, Florida, two days later by members of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the FBI. The suspect was found guilty of capital murder in November 2003 and sentenced to death. On May 7, 2005, the suspect committed suicide in his cell at the Mansfield Correctional Institution.
Patrolman Hartzell had served with the Youngstown Police Department for three years. He is survived by his fiancée, parents, and brother.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 3 years
- Badge 1085
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 388 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Michael Thomas Hartzell of the Youngstown Police Department, Ohio and the additional 65 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation
April 29, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Lieutenant Michael Hoosock
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Sergeant William Marty Jackson, II
Winchester Police Department, KY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Police Officer Ross Bartlett
Ceresco Police Department, NE
EOW: April 12, 2024
Chief of Police Steven Allen Singer
Lake Lafayette Police Department, MO
EOW: April 8, 2024
Correctional Sergeant Andrew John Faught
Illinois Department of Corrections, IL
EOW: April 8, 2024
Police Officer Joseph McKinney
Memphis Police Department, TN
EOW: April 12, 2024