Detective Sergeant Lucius J. Rice

Detective Sergeant Lucius J. Rice

Dayton Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Thursday, October 5, 1939

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Lucius J. Rice

Detective Sergeant Lucius Rice was shot and killed when he and two other officers went to an apartment building at 531 College Street to arrest a murder suspect.

Sergeant Rice and the other two officers searched the apartment, found the suspect hiding in a closet, and ordered him to come out. The man came out of the closet firing a gun, striking Sergeant Rice and another officer.

Sergeant Rice succumbed to his injuries five days later.

The man was convicted of Sergeant Rice's murder and executed on October 23rd, 1940.

Sergeant Rice had served with the Dayton Police Department for 30 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Bio

  • Age 63
  • Tour 30 years
  • Badge 57

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Saturday, September 30, 1939
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Executed in 1940

building search, warrant service

Most Recent Reflection

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NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Detective Sergeant Lucius J. Rice of the Dayton Police Department, Ohio, and the additional 88 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorneys General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

October 5, 2024

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