Columbus Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch Saturday, December 4, 2004
Add to My HeroesMelissa M. Foster
Police Officer Melissa Foster was killed in an automobile accident 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 Policesevenfor 7 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 584 ReflectionsOfficer Melissa came to my rental on Bairsford Drive when my husband and I came home from the hospital with our newborn baby to discover that our place was ransacked while we were away in the hospital. It was November 29, 2004 I believe. I’ll just never forget her. She was so kind and caring and BRAVE! She really helped us feel better the way she was talking to us, also giving my husband lots of advice. I think of her and her children from time to time over the years. I was so heart broken when she passed away. I believe she’s in Heaven. I wish her family peace and happiness. Your mother is unforgettable by so many, she touched a lot of peoples hearts.
Danielle
April 19, 2023
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