Lieutenant Jerry E. Dragosin

Lieutenant Jerry E. Dragosin

Cambridge Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, August 21, 1984

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Jerry E. Dragosin

Lieutenant Jerry Dragosin was shot and killed in the driveway of the police department.

The suspect had gone to the police station in an attempt to recover a handgun that had been confiscated from him earlier in the week. When he arrived at the station, a dispatcher informed Lieutenant Dragosin the man was there and in possession of another handgun.

When Lieutenant Dragosin contacted the man, a struggle ensued. The suspect was able to gain control of Lieutenant Dragosin's service revolver and fatally shot him. As the suspect fled the scene, he encountered an off-duty officer, and the two exchanged shots. Both men were wounded in the exchange. The man continued to flee and led officers on a 50-mile pursuit into West Virginia, where he was finally taken into custody.

The 30-year-old suspect was convicted of Lieutenant Dragosin's murder and originally sentenced to death. The death penalty was overturned, and he was sentenced to life. He was denied a commutation of his sentence in 2008. He will be eligible for parole in 2024.

Lieutenant Dragosin was a United States Army Vietnam veteran. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

  • Age 34
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life

police facility, weapons violation

Most Recent Reflection

View all 23 Reflections

My uncle....a man I never got to meet...but my hero....a hero heaven was needing. I wonder what my life would have been like if you were in it. Mom still talks about your Mustang and Dad says hunting has never been the same without you. You made it home from Vietnam to lose your life protecting the home front. As the years have passed you are still remembered by the community as an loving, caring, family man who would do anything for anybody. When people see me...they will always see a part of you. Gone but not forgotten.

Jessica Dragosin
Niece

August 21, 2023

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