Police Officer Thomas Raymond Hayes

Police Officer Thomas Raymond Hayes

Columbus Division of Police, Ohio

End of Watch Thursday, January 20, 2011

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Thomas Raymond Hayes

Police Officer Tom Hayes succumbed to complications of a gunshot wound sustained 31 years earlier while attempting to arrest two teens on a curfew violation.

He had responded to a local convenience store after receiving reports of a disturbance by the two teens. The boys had been drinking, smoking marijuana, and had taken LSD. As Officer Hayes attempted to arrest them, a scuffle ensued in which one of the boys pulled out a handgun and shot him in the back. The wound caused him to become paralyzed below the waist.

Officer Hayes' continued to suffer serious health issues as the result of the wound, including the amputation of one of his legs six years prior to his death.

In March 2011, Officer Hayes' death was ruled a homicide by the Franklin County Coroner.

Prior to being shot, he had served with the Columbus Division of Police for seven years. Despite his wounds and health issues, Officer Hayes continued to work as a civilian sketch artist for the agency. He is survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 61
  • Tour 7 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Tuesday, December 18, 1979
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Not available

narcotics, arrest attempt, disturbance, juvenile offender

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NEVER FORGET! Please help me honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Thomas Raymond Hayes of the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 74 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

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

January 20, 2024

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