Patrolman Walter Bosscawen

Patrolman Walter Bosscawen

Newark Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Saturday, July 10, 1915

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Walter Bosscawen

Patrolman Walter Bosscawen succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained 9 days earlier when he was shot by one of three men who were burglarizing a local business with the intent of blowing open its safe. Patrolman Bosscawen had been lying in wait inside the business after receiving a tip that it was the target of thieves.

When the thieves were inside of the business they encountered Patrolman Bosscawen, who told them to freeze. One of the men opened fire on him with a revolver, striking him once. He returned fire and struck the gunman twice in the leg. All three suspects were apprehended and charged with first degree murder.

The gunman, 20 years old, and one of his accomplices was convicted of murder on November 13, 1915, and sentenced to life in the Ohio Pentitentiary. A month later the other suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to a indeterminate term in the Mansfield Reformatory.

On December 1, 1939, after 24 years in prison the gunman was paroled. On May 23, 1948, he shot and seriously wounded a Canton, Ohio Police Officer who attempted to arrest him for breaking into a hardware store. On October 5, 1948 he was convicted of attempted murder of a police officer and returned to prison to serve 1 to 20 years.

Patrolman Bosscawen was survived by his wife, son, and sister.

Bio

  • Age 38
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Thursday, July 1, 1915
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Paroled in 1939

robbery, stakeout

Most Recent Reflection

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NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Walter Bosscawen of the Newark Police Department, Ohio, and the additional 66 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

July 10, 2024

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