Patrolman Leroy Bouker

Leroy Bouker

Patrolman Leroy Bouker was shot and killed by four suspects who had just committed a holdup of a meat market at 1648 St. Claire Avenue in Cleveland.

At 9:45 p.m., Patrolman Bouker was responding to shots he had heard when he observed the men getting into a vehicle outside of the market. He drew his weapon and told the men to stop. They immediately drew their guns and shot him several times, killing him.

The four suspects escaped but were later captured in other states and returned to Cleveland. They were all sentenced to life in prison. One died in prison on October 6, 1938, from a brain injury when he accidentally fell. One was pardoned in September of 1916 and sent back to prison in 1920 for bank robbery.

Patrolman Bouker had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for 24 years and was planning on retiring the following year. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters.