Police Officer Melissa M. Foster

Police Officer Melissa M. Foster

Columbus Division of Police, Ohio

End of Watch Saturday, December 4, 2004

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Melissa M. Foster

Police Officer Melissa Foster was killed in an automobile crash when her patrol car was struck head-on by a vehicle that crossed the center line on Gender Road. The vehicle was being driven by a suspected drunk driver.

At approximately 1:30 am, Officer Foster was responding to a non-emergency call involving a prowler and was following another patrol car. When the other vehicle crossed the center line, the first patrol car swerved to avoid a collision. However, Officer Foster was unable to take evasive action, and her patrol car was struck. She was flown to Grant Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries a short time later.

The driver of the vehicle that struck her patrol car was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide. The suspect had a previous conviction of involuntary manslaughter in 1997. On August 9, 2005, the suspect was sentenced to 13 years in prison and the lifetime suspension of his driver's license.

Officer Foster had served with the Columbus Division of Police for seven years. She is survived by her two children.

Bio

  • Age 35
  • Tour 7 years
  • Badge 2145

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicular assault
  • Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
  • Offender Sentenced to 13 years

Impaired Driver, vehicle crash

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NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Melissa M. Foster of the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 68 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

December 4, 2023

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