Police Officer William F. Hayes, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri

Police Officer William F. Hayes

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri

End of Watch Sunday, February 23, 1919

William 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 7 Reflections

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 93rd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 23, 2012