Police Officer Edward Pakula, Jr., Detroit Police Department, Michigan

Police Officer Edward Pakula, Jr.

Detroit Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Wednesday, January 16, 1974

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Edward Pakula, Jr.

Officer Edward Pakula and Sergeant Leonard Todd were shot and killed after responding to a call from a barricaded gunman.

As soon as they arrived at the gunman's residence at 14021 Mayfield Street, they were met with a hail of bullets. Two other officers were seriously wounded before the suspect was talked into giving himself up. The suspect had been under psychiatric care for several months.

The suspect pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 40 to 80 years on June 4, 1974. He died in prison on June 27, 1975.

Officer Pakula was a United States Marine and had served with the Detroit Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife and child.

Bio

Age 27
Tour 4 years
Badge 1906
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to 40 to 80 years

mentally ill

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Most Recent Reflection

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I was an off-duty Detroit rookie. I showed up at the scene to assist in anyway I could. It's been more than 50 years, but the scene is still extremely vivid in my mind.

Rest in Peace, brother.

Jim Orlando
Detroit Police Department

February 7, 2024