Officer Joseph H. Hunt

Officer Joseph H. Hunt

Akron Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Saturday, January 12, 1918

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Joseph H. Hunt

Officer Hunt and Officer Edward Costigan were the second and third of four Akron Policemen to be shot and killed by members of an Italian gang in retaliation for the Akron Police Department's crackdown on their gambling dens and brothels.

They were both shot several times in the back as they walked their beat in front of the Union Fireproof Warehouse Company at 27 North High Street. Officer Costigan died at the scene, and Officer Hunt succumbed to his wounds two days later. The gang was responsible for the deaths of Officer Guy Norris, shot and killed December 24, 1917, and Officer Gothin H. Richards, shot and killed March 12, 1918.

The Akron Police Department was baffled by the murders, not realizing the gang's involvement until an anonymous phone caller implicated one of the gang members who was arrested in New York. The suspect implicated five other gang members who were arrested and charged with murder.

Four of the suspects were executed in Ohio's electric chair, one on October 4, 1918, two on February 19, 1919, and one on July 24, 1919. The other two suspects were sentenced to life in prison. One was released in 1934 and deported to Italy. The other suspect was denied parole in 1964.

Officer Hunt had served with the Akron Police Department for 3 months. He was survived by his wife and three children. One son became an Akron police officer.

Bio

  • Age 33
  • Tour 3 months
  • Badge 73

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Thursday, January 10, 1918
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Four executed

ambush, foot patrol, retaliation

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NEVER FORGET! Please help me honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Officer Joseph H. Hunt of the Akron Police Department, Ohio and the additional 79 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

January 12, 2024

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