Columbus Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thomas Raymond Hayes
Officer Tom Hayes succumbed to complications of a gunshot wound sustained 31 years earlier while attempting to arrest two teens on a curfew violation.
He had responded to a local convenience store after receiving reports of a disturbance by the two teens. The boys had been drinking, smoking marijuana and had taken LSD. As Officer Hayes attempted to arrest them a scuffle ensued in which one of the boys pulled out a handgun and shot him in the back. The wound caused him to become paralyzed below the waist.
Officer Hayes' continued to suffer serious health issues as the result of the wound, including the amputation of one of his legs six years prior to his death.
In March 2011 Officer Hayes' death was ruled a homicide by the Franklin County Coroner.
Despite his wounds and health issues, Officer Hayes continued to work as a civilian sketch artist for the Columbus Division of Police. Prior to being shot, he had served with the agency for seven years. He is survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 61
- Tour 7 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Tuesday, December 18, 1979
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 125 ReflectionsMy name is Bill Meyer: In 1979 lived 3 houses East of Tom and Mary. I remember he and Mary had a little Dog. that got away at times. At that time i had an Irish Setter. In the years since he was shot i lost track of he and Mary. They had so much to live for. I wish that i had kept in touch with them.
Civilian
Friend
March 15, 2018
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Sean McNamee Gannon
Yarmouth Police Department, MA
EOW: April 12, 2018

Patrolman Kevin F. Crossley
Whitesboro Police Department, NY
EOW: April 11, 2018

Police Officer Keith O'Neal Earle
Huntsville Police Department, AL
EOW: April 9, 2018

Corporal Dale Shannon Hallman
Saluda County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: April 6, 2018

Police Officer Phillip Lynn Meacham
Hopkinsville Police Department, KY
EOW: March 29, 2018

Trooper First Class Kevin M. Miller
Connecticut State Police, CT
EOW: March 29, 2018

Special Agent Melissa S. Morrow
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US
EOW: March 22, 2018

Police Officer Andres Laza-Caraballo
Juncos Municipal Police Department, PR
EOW: March 21, 2018

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Douglas Zirkle
Marin County Sheriff's Office, CA
EOW: March 15, 2018