Police Officer Donald W. Coulter, Detroit Police Department, Michigan

Police Officer Donald W. Coulter

Detroit Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Saturday, January 11, 1958

Donald W. Coulter

Officer Coulter was shot and killed when he interrupted a robbery at Prince Royal Bar at 3057 Gratiot Ave.

Officer Coulter, who was in plainclothes, entered the bar and was confronted by four suspects, three men and a woman. They took his wallet and then, thinking he was the bar owner, ordered him to open the safe. When he told them he could not open it they shot him with a shotgun. Two of the suspects were captured 30 minutes later. The other two were captured the next day in Forrest City, Arkansas.

The suspect who killed Officer Coulter was convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery and sentenced to life plus 30 years in prison on May 8, 1958. He died in prison on August 15, 1994.

Officer Coulter had served with the Detroit Police Department for 11 years.

Bio

Age 38
Tour 11 years
Badge 203

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Died in prison

plainclothes, robbery

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Most Recent Reflection

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Your heroism and service is honored today, the 54th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. You will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 11, 2012