Deputy Sheriff Rea Christian Horlocker, Delaware County Sheriff's Office, Ohio

Deputy Sheriff Rea Christian Horlocker

Delaware County Sheriff's Office, Ohio

End of Watch Thursday, July 3, 1924

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Rea Christian Horlocker

Deputy Sheriff Rea Horlocker was fatally injured when he crashed his motorcycle while pursuing a speeder on the Delaware-Columbus Road, four miles north of Glenmary Park.

When Deputy Horlocker pulled alongside the roadster and ordered the driver to stop, the driver fired three shots at him and then swerved into his lane, causing Deputy Horlocker to hit a ditch and a telephone pole. A passing motorist brought Deputy Horlocker to Jane M. Case Hospital in Delaware where he died from internal injuries the next day.

The driver and a companion were apprehended in Columbus the next day. It was unknown to Deputy Horlocker that he had been pursuing two men who were wanted for bootlegging. The driver was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 to 20 years.

Deputy Horlcoker had served with the Delaware County Sheriff's Office for less than a year. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 39
Tour 9 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Incident Date Wednesday, July 2, 1924
Weapon Automobile
Offender Convicted of Manslaughter

alcohol violation, motor officer, vehicle pursuit

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NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Rea Christian Horlocker of the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 83 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorneys General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

July 3, 2025