Patrolman James Drayton Ballard, Columbus Division of Police, Ohio

Patrolman James Drayton Ballard

Columbus Division of Police, Ohio

End of Watch Monday, November 9, 1914

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James Drayton Ballard

Patrolman James Ballard was shot and killed while responding to a burglary in progress at a tavern at the intersection of Oak Street and Parsons Avenue.

The suspect escaped with an accomplice, but both were apprehended 48 hours later. The shooter was sentenced to death, and the accomplice was sentenced to life.

On July 15, 1915, the shooter's death sentence was commuted to life. On July 25, 1932, he was pardoned by Governor George White because he was in imminent danger of death. He died from heart disease five days later.

Patrolman Ballard was a U.S. Army veteran of the Spanish American War and had served with the Columbus Division of Police for one year.

Bio

Age 36
Tour 1 year
Badge 179
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender One sentenced to death

burglary

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Patrolman Ballard,
On today, the 110th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American War.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

November 9, 2024