Officer Stephen J. Ondas, Akron Police Department, Ohio

Officer Stephen J. Ondas

Akron Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Saturday, October 21, 1972

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Stephen J. Ondas

Officer Stephen Ondas was shot and killed by the 19-year-old driver of a car he and his partner stopped for not having any headlights.

The suspect had a traffic warrant, resisted arrest, and fled. The officers pursued the suspect, and a struggle ensued near the police cruiser, where the suspect grabbed Officer Ondas' firearm, shot Officer Ondas in the chest, and then shot his partner. His partner recovered after a short stay in the hospital.

The suspect surrendered to police several hours later. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life on February 20, 1973. He will be eligible for parole on March 1, 2023.

Officer Ondas had served with the Akron Police Department for only six months. He is survived by his wife and daughter, born a few weeks after his death.

Bio

Age 27
Tour 6 months
Badge 24

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life

traffic stop, vehicle pursuit

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Most Recent Reflection

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Stephen, I remember you so well from our school years at St John the Baptist. You were always a good soul. You lost your life on my son’s fourth birthday. I did not find out about your sacrifice until a number of years later. It hurt to learn of your death. I have thought of you often over these many decades. My son recently retired as a lieutenant from Carlsbad PD. So you see, police officers have a special place in my heart. In blue unity I say, rest in peace and go with God. Ruth (Class of 1959)

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