Patrolman Ebert Crout

Patrolman Ebert Crout

Middletown Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Sunday, May 6, 1928

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Ebert Crout

Patrolman Crout and Patrolman Harold Roth were shot and mortally wounded by a man they surprised operating a liquor still in a gravel pit.

As the officers were attempting to take the suspect into custody, he grabbed Patrolman Crout's service revolver and shot both of them. The suspect was captured a short time later, along with his father and another man who were with him at the time of the shooting. Both officers died from their wounds hours later.

The suspect was transported to a jail in a neighboring county because of fear of being lynched. The next day officers were on their way back with the suspect when he suddenly jumped from the vehicle and ran. He was shot three times after he ignored orders to halt. The next day the suspect was shot and killed by a police officer in his hospital room when he tried to take the officer's service revolver away from him.

Patrolman Crout had served with the Middletown Police Department for 2.5 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour 2 years, 6 months
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Saturday, May 5, 1928
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Shot and killed

alcohol violation, arrest attempt

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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 Patrolman Ebert Crout of the Middletown Police Department, Ohio and the additional 64 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

May 6, 2022

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