Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Wednesday, February 3, 1971
Add to My HeroesDaniel G. Ellis
Officer Daniel Ellis was shot and killed near Mother Charleszetta Waddles Perpetual Mission at 3700 Gratiot while attempting to protect citizens from a mentally deranged person with a firearm.
Officer Ellis pushed his partner out of the line of fire moments beore the gunman shot, but withheld return fire for fear of striking a mother and child standing just behind the gunman. He was struck several times and died en route to the hospital.
The suspect was taken into custody a short time later. He had 14 previous convictions including one for manslaughter in 1956 for beating his wife to death. He was acquitted of Officer Ellis' slaying by reason of insanity.
Officer Ellis, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, had served with the Detroit Police Department for 7 years. He was survived by his wife and two sons.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 7 years
- Badge 890
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Apprehended
Most Recent Reflection
View all 18 ReflectionsMy father, Arthur Koperski. was Danny's partner, until the day before Danny died. They went through the police academy together and carpooled. During the riots Danny, his wife and son, stayed at my parents house for a few nights. When we visited the DPD Historical Museum last year, my Dad enjoyed telling stories about their time together, including how proud they were to get invited to a 'shift change party". My Dad was a pall bearer for the funeral. In the years that followed, my parents attended Patty's marriage. My Dad, now 83, still talks so fondly of his fallen friend.
Sgt. Arthur Koperski's daughter (Ka
Partner of Danny Ellis, 7th Pct.
July 7, 2020
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