Police Officer Leonard John Anderson, Wayne Police Department, Michigan

Police Officer Leonard John Anderson

Wayne Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Saturday, May 25, 1974

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Leonard John Anderson

Officer John Anderson succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained six weeks earlier when he and another officer responded to a suicidal person's call.

A female had called the police department and stated her boyfriend was going to kill her and then commit suicide. Officer Anderson arrived on the scene and was shot through the door as the officers knocked on it. The suspect was apprehended after a gunfight with officers.

The suspect, 27, was sent to prison. On April 3, 1975, he was charged with aiding and abetting in another inmates escape. The inmate was serving a life term for the murder of Trooper Steven DeVries on October 12, 1972.

Officer Anderson had served with the Wayne Police Department for 5 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 23
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Wednesday, April 10, 1974
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Apprehended

suicide attempt

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Most Recent Reflection

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I was a teenager in Westland, Michigan when Lenny was a young patrolmen not much older than me! He was friendly and smiled and I remember being so impressed with his uniform, positive attitude and how proud he was being a police officer.
I worked 35 years myself in LE and never forgot his presence and will never forgot the incident that took his life.
To this day, when I check the ODMP, I will visit his page and say a prayer.
Never forgotten!
LT Dave Carlington (Retired)

LT Dave Carlington
Hoover Police Dept. Hoover, Al

August 26, 2025