Lima Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Friday, October 25, 1918
Add to My HeroesPhillip Droesch
Patrolman Droesch was shot and killed following the robbery of a pawn shop. The suspect had exchanged shots with officers following the robbery but was able to escape. Patrolman Droesch was off duty, but had been called in to help search for the suspect. He observed a man near Jackson Street and High Street who appeared to be staggering. Thinking the man was intoxicated and injured, Patrolman Droesch approached him to give him assistance.
The suspect suddenly pulled out a gun and shot Patrolman Droesch. The officer was transported to Lima City Hospital where he died early the next morning.
The 27-year-old suspect was apprehended and convicted of murdering Patrolman Droesch. He was committed to the Lima State Hospital for the Criminally Insane. He escaped on September 4, 1928 and again on January 7, 1945.
Patrolman Droesch was survived by his wife and four children.
Bio
- Age 38
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Thursday, October 24, 1918
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Committed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Phillip Droesch of the Lima Police Department, Ohio and the additional 76 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation
October 25, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Albanese
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: February 25, 2021

Corrections Officer IV Vicky James
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: February 10, 2021

Corrections Officer IV Tawiwo Obele
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: February 16, 2021

Officer Genaro Guerrero
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: February 15, 2021

Chief of Police Tony M. Jordan
Middleburg Borough Police Department, PA
EOW: January 13, 2021

Lieutenant Frank Arnold
California Department of Developmental Services - Office of Protective Services, CA
EOW: January 22, 2021

Natural Resources Officer Jason Lagore
Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of State Parks and Watercraft, OH
EOW: February 23, 2021

Lieutenant Eugene Lasco
Indiana Department of Correction, IN
EOW: February 21, 2021

Police Officer Horacio Dominguez
Miccosukee Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: February 21, 2021