Miami County Sheriff's Office, Ohio
End of Watch Wednesday, November 22, 1972
Add to My HeroesWilliam R. Morris
Sergeant William Morris was shot and killed while responding to a call involving two juveniles trying to steal a vehicle on County Road 25A north of State Route 571 in Tipp City.
Sergeant Morris responded to a call of two teenagers, one armed with a rifle, trying to steal a car. Sergeant Morris, driving an unmarked vehicle, found the boys and ordered them to get on the ground at gunpoint. The 15-year-old took off running while the 16-year-old raised an M1 Carbine above his head, claiming it was unloaded, then lowered the rifle and fired on Sergeant Morris, who used his cruiser to shield himself.
Sergeant Morris and the suspect circled the cruiser, each firing until Sergeant Morris was hit and knocked into a ditch. The 16-year-old shooter then jumped into the cruiser and drove a short distance before backing up and firing two more rounds into Sergeant Morris as he lay in the ditch. He then drove a short distance and hid in a barn, where he later committed suicide with the same rifle after being surrounded by other officers.
Sergeant Morris had served with the Miami County Sheriff's Office for 22 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and three sons.
He is buried at Miami Memorial Park.
Bio
- Age 42
- Tour 22 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 16 Reflections50 years ago Sgt. Morris died in service to his community. Tonight we honored him for his work as we hit the streets of our community. Blessed are the peacemakers.
Lt. M. Hurley
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office
November 22, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith
Hermann Police Department, MO
EOW: March 12, 2023

Master Trooper James R. Bailey
Indiana State Police, IN
EOW: March 3, 2023

Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: March 1, 2023

Correctional Officer Jay Miller
Washington State Department of Corrections, WA
EOW: February 11, 2023

Detention Officer Kenneth Fowler
Pontotoc County Sheriff's Office, OK
EOW: February 19, 2023

Sergeant Christopher D. Fitzgerald
Temple University Police Department, PA
EOW: February 18, 2023

Police Officer Geoffrey Redd
Memphis Police Department, TN
EOW: February 18, 2023

Police Officer James Muhlbauer
Kansas City Police Department, MO
EOW: February 15, 2023

Police Officer Julian Becerra
Fountain Police Department, CO
EOW: February 11, 2023