Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Wednesday, January 16, 1974
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: 1906
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 16, 1974
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 40 to 80 years
Officer Edward Pakula and Sergeant Leonard Todd were shot and killed after responding to a call from a barricaded gunman.
As soon as they arrived at the gunman's residence at 14021 Mayfield Street, they were met with a hail of bullets. Two other officers were seriously wounded before the suspect was talked into giving himself up. The suspect had been under psychiatric care for several months.
The suspect pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 40 to 80 years on June 4, 1974. He died in prison on June 27, 1975.
Officer Pakula was a United States Marine and had served with the Detroit Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife and child.