Patrolman William Deiters, Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio

Patrolman William Deiters

Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Thursday, August 29, 1918

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William Deiters

Patrolman William Deiters was shot and killed at the intersection of Liberty Street and Freeman Avenue while walking his beat.

Two men approached him and attempted to rob him of his revolver. In an attempt to protect himself, Patrolman Deiters reached for his revolver but was shot in the chest. Two other officers who happened to be in a passing streetcar witnessed the shooting and chased the suspects a short distance before losing them. Both men were arrested in Pennsylvania and extradited back to Ohio where they confessed to the robbery and murder.

One subject was convicted of robbery. The other was convicted of Patrolman Deiters' murder and, after two trials and several stays of execution, he was executed by electrocution on January 26th, 1923.

Patrolman Deiters had served with the Cincinnati Police Division for 13-1/2 years. He was survived by his wife, two children, and mother.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 13 years, 6 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Wednesday, August 28, 1918
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Executed in 1923

robbery

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NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman William Deiters of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 86 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

August 29, 2025