Dayton Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Monday, March 4, 1974
Add to My HeroesWilliam Kenneth Mortimer
Detective Sergeant Mortimer was shot and killed at 1175 Staley Avenue while attempting to arrest two suspects who had just robbed nearby Potaskys' Jewelry Store. As they ran from the store one suspect shot and killed a 52-year-old man who just happened to be walking by, saw what happened, and ordered the two to stop. He was a well known civil rights activist.
Detective Mortimer was en route to the police academy when he responded for a call of assistance at an apartment complex where the two suspects barricaded themselves. While on the scene he observed two young girls looking out of a door at all of the police activity. Sergeant Mortimer immediately ran to the girls and pushed them inside the door for their own safety. Just as he did this the same suspect who killed the other man came out of his apartment, saw Sergeant Mortimer, and shot him in the face with a .357 caliber handgun.
Both suspects, 16 and 18, were apprehended and charged with capital murder. Ironically the 18-year-old gunman was convicted of one count of murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled in 1983. The 16-year-old was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled on October 29, 1992. The 16-year-old was the 18-year-old's uncle. Because the two looked so much alike there was a lot of confusion during their trials.
Sergeant Mortimer had served with the Dayton Police Department for 22 years. He was survived by his wife and two sons.
Sergeant Mortimer's brother, Sergeant Paul Mortimer, died in the line of duty four years earlier while also serving with the Dayton Police Department.
Sergeant Mortimer was a graduate of the 83rd Session of the FBI National Academy.
Bio
- Age 44
- Tour 22 years
- Badge 15
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 23 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Detective Sergeant William Kenneth Mortimer of the Dayton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 65 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation
March 4, 2022
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