Patrolman William G. Brown

William G. Brown

Patrolman William Brown was shot and killed while chasing a man who had brandished a gun when asked to leave a cafe at Lakeside Avenue and E. 9th Street.

Patrolman Brown was walking his beat when the cafe owner notified him of the incident and pointed the man out. As Patrolman Brown chased the suspect, they exchanged shots, and both were wounded.

Patrolman Brown was taken to a local hospital, where he underwent two blood transfusions before doctors determined he had to have his leg amputated. Patrolman Brown never regained consciousness after the operation and succumbed to his wounds on September 29, four days after the initial shooting.

The suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Patrolman Brown had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for seven months. He was survived by his wife, daughter, three sons, and two brothers, who were both officers with the Cleveland Police Department.