Patrolman Robert A. Stefanov

Robert A. Stefanov

Officer Bob Stefanov and Officer Michael Brown were killed when their patrol car struck a utility pole during a pursuit.

The officers had noticed a vehicle sitting outside of a closed business, and, as they approached it, the vehicle sped off. The suspects entered an intersection against a red light at approximately 75 mph, with the officers close behind. When another vehicle entered the intersection of Lee and Harvard, the officers attempted to avoid a collision, but the patrol car struck the car, overturned, and struck a utility pole. The suspect was later apprehended and sentenced to ten years for involuntary manslaughter.

Officer Stefanov had served with the Garfield Heights Police Department for five years. He was survived by his son and daughter.