Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch Sunday, March 11, 1984
Add to My HeroesStephen M. Kovach
Patrolman Stephen Kovach was shot and killed after he and his partner attempted to stop a hit-and-run driver just after midnight.
Unbeknownst to the officers, the driver had just committed two armed robberies and was operating a stolen car. The driver attempted to flee but crashed his car at East 40th and Cedar Streets in Cleveland.
As Patrolman Kovach's partner approached the vehicle, the driver jumped out and opened fire with a .38 caliber handgun, striking him in the chest between the panels on his vest.
The partner returned fire, wounding the assailant. As Patrolman Kovach approached, the assailant continued to fire, striking him twice in the neck and killing him. The officer continued to fire from the ground, fatally wounding the assailant.
Patrolman Kovach had served with the Cleveland Police Department for 7 years and was assigned to the Third District. He had served in law enforcement for a total of 10 years. He was survived by his sister.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour 10 years
- Badge 763
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 33 ReflectionsForty years! I was the driver the assailant collided with while running from the officers. 17 years old driving home (two blocks away). March 1984 permanently imbedded in my memory. Condolences.
Marlon A. Turner
July 10, 2024
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