Police Officer Leo Leonard "Doug" Casto, Jr.

Police Officer Leo Leonard "Doug" Casto, Jr.

Wayne Township Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Friday, August 23, 1974

Add to My Heroes

Leo Leonard "Doug" Casto, Jr.

Police Officer Doug Casto was accidentally shot and killed by another officer during a shootout at a home on Mystic Drive.

He and other officers had gone to the home to search for a wanted felon from Virginia. The subject, who was hiding in some bushes between two houses, opened fire on the officers, wounding one of them. As Officer Casto rushed to the rear of the home subject opened fire on him as well, causing him to retreat. As he came back to the front of the house, he was struck by shots fired by another officer.

The subject was also wounded and taken into custody.

Wayne Township became a city in 1981 and was renamed to Huber Heights.

Officer Casto had served with the Wayne Township Police Department for one year. He was survived by his wife and parents.

He was posthumously promoted from the rank of Auxiliary Police Officer to Police Officer.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 1 year
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)

convicted felon, friendly fire, fugitive

Most Recent Reflection

View all 20 Reflections

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Leo L. Casto, Jr. of the Wayne Township Police Department, Ohio and the additional 73 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

August 23, 2023

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.