Tampa Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Friday, January 1, 1965
Add to My HeroesWilliam D. Krikava
Officer William Krikava was shot and killed while investigating a burglary in progress at a store at 1714 South Dale Mabry Highway.
He was flagged down by a dress shop owner shortly after midnight. As he entered the rear fitting room of the business, he surprised a man and his wife stealing clothes. The male suspect opened fire, striking Officer Krikava six times. Officer Krikava was able to return fire and wound the suspect.
Both suspects were apprehended and charged with first-degree murder. Both were convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on July 20th, 1965. In 1979 the man had his appeal for a new trial denied.
Officer Krikava had served with the Tampa Police Department for 10 years. He was survived by his wife and five children.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 10 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 19 ReflectionsI saw your name and EOW on the back of a TPD Officers car the other day and took a picture, as I looked up you on here I began to cry wondering if somehow he is related to you.. I am so sorry about your wife and 5 children those evil people too you away from but your legacy still lives on.. May you be remembered always and I pray for your family all these years later now. I’m sorry for your loss of your father& husband Please know their are many of us out here watching closely and willing to do anything so that the Officers make it home safe. I wish I was there that day but rest knowing He left a mark on the hearts of many! Tampa,Fl
Andrea Holmes
February 16, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Patrick Barnes
Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department, MS
EOW: April 10, 2021

Sergeant James K. Smith
Iowa State Patrol, IA
EOW: April 9, 2021

Police Officer Brent Nelson Hall
Newton Grove Police Department, NC
EOW: April 3, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Christopher Wilson Knight
Bibb County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 6, 2021

Chief of Police Fred Alan Posavetz
Clinton Township Police Department, MI
EOW: March 22, 2021

Corrections Officer Luis Arturo Hernandez, Sr.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: March 31, 2021

Lieutenant James Kouski
Hometown Police Department, IL
EOW: April 3, 2021

Police Officer William Evans
United States Capitol Police, US
EOW: April 2, 2021

Sergeant Shane Owens
Broward County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: March 27, 2021