Shaker Heights Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Monday, October 20, 1924
Add to My HeroesMichael J. Hahnel
Patrolman Michael Hahnel was shot and killed while transporting two men to jail.
He and another officer had stopped a car for speeding at Moreland Boulevard and Lee Road and placed the two men under arrest. Unbeknownst to the officers, the two men were driving a stolen car and had just robbed a gas station. Patrolman Hahnel was riding in the backseat of their car, which was being driven to the police station when one of the occupants suddenly turned and shot him. The two then threw his body into a field on Ashwood Road, near East 140th Street, and fled.
Patrolman Hahnel succumbed to his wounds four days later.
One of the suspects was executed for Patrolman Hahnel's murder on April 24, 1925. The other suspect was sentenced to life.
Patrolman Hahnel had served with the Shaker Heights Police Department for one year. He was survived by his father and seven siblings.
He is buried in St Mary's Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour 1 year
- Badge 7
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Friday, October 17, 1924
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender One executed; One sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsPatrolman Hahnel,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Shaker Heights. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Reired)
October 20, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025

Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Jr.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Ray Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025