Detective William L. Foulks

Detective William L. Foulks

Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio

End of Watch Saturday, September 29, 1900

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William L. Foulks

Detective William Foulks was shot and killed by a suspect during a violent strike between union molders and non-union molders filling their positions on the corner of Wood* and Hamilton Streets in Cleveland.

Detective Foulks and another officer were searching for a wanted man when they heard gunshots in the crowd. The officers ran towards the crowd and Detective Foulks, who was in plain clothes, immediately began to struggle with one of the strikers. During the struggle, his revolver fell out; the man picked it up and shot him with it.

The man was later arrested but was subsequently acquitted of murder charges, claiming he did not know Detective Foulks was a police officer and was acting in self-defense.

Detective Foulks served with the Cleveland Division of Police for three years. He was survived by his wife and six children.

Wood Street has been renamed East 3rd Street, and Hamilton Street does not extend to E 3rd Street in 2022.

Bio

  • Age 38
  • Tour 3 years
  • Badge 232

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Acquitted of murder

plainclothes, strike

Most Recent Reflection

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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 Detective William L. Foulks of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 87 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

September 29, 2023

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