Patrolman David L. Cole, Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio

Patrolman David L. Cole

Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Wednesday, July 17, 1974

David L. Cole

Patrolman David Cole was shot and killed after responding to an alarm call at a local business. When he arrived on the scene he observed two men walking nearby. As he approached them they opened fire, wounding him twice. One of the suspects then took Patrolman Cole's revolver and shot him again. Patrolman Cole was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.

Both suspects were sentenced to death but had the sentences commuted to life. One of the men was paroled in 1991. The other suspect has been denied parole three times and the next hearing is in 2017.

Patrolman Cole had been with the agency for five years. He was survived by his wife, parents, and four siblings. He is buried in Saint Peter Cemetery, New Richmond, Ohio.

Bio

Age 24
Tour 5 years
Badge P160

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Sunday, July 14, 1974
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Two sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

View all 12 Reflections

I was also a young Officer with a suburban department and Officer Cole's death made a very deep, emotional impression on that lasted my entire 43 year career. RIP brother.

Rick Hoffmeister, Patrolman
Silverton Police Dept.

May 15, 2016