St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch Sunday, February 23, 1919
Add to My HeroesWilliam F. Hayes
Officer Hayes was shot and killed while searching a suspect on Nineteenth Street near Lucas Avenue. He and two special officers had heard gun shots in the area and went to investigate. Officer Hayes stopped a man and began to search him. The man suddenly stepped back, produced a revolver from his coat sleeve, and shot Officer Hayes in the stomach and leg. Officer Hayes was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect was apprehended and taken to the hospital where he was positively identified by Officer Hayes before he succumbed to the gunshot wounds. The man was convicted and sentenced to life but won a second trial in which he was acquitted.
Officer Hayes had been with the agency for six years and was survived by his wife and four children. After his death, his wife was appointed as a female detective.
Bio
- Age 33
- Tour 6 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; Revolver
- Offender Acquitted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsOfficer Hayes,
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 St. Louis. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station
February 23, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Justin Bedwell
Decatur County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: March 1, 2021

Officer Cesar Dangaran Sibonga
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: February 7, 2021

Major Estaban "Stevie" Ramirez, III
Bell County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 16, 2021

Reserve Deputy Constable Martinus Mitchum
Second City Court of New Orleans Constable's Office, LA
EOW: February 26, 2021

Police Officer Dominic J. Winum
Stanley Police Department, VA
EOW: February 26, 2021

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