Patrolman Oscar J. Reinhardt

Oscar J. Reinhardt

Patrolman Oscar Reinhardt was shot and killed while pursuing a speeding automobile containing seven men who had just robbed patrons at the Allendale Inn in Detroit.

The suspects shot and wounded two men and a woman before escaping with $6,000 to $20,000 in money and jewelry. When they sped through Monroe, Patrolman Reinhardt attempted to stop the automobile while on his motorcycle. The driver fired at Patrolman Reinhardt four times in the stomach. Patrolman Reinhardt returned fire and struck one suspect in the shoulder.

Patrolman Reinhardt succumbed to his wounds two hours later.

The suspects abandoned the car in a swamp just outside Monroe next to Lake Erie. A posse, several deputy sheriffs, and the Michigan National Guard captured five of the suspects, including the gunman, during a seven-day manhunt. The other two were identified and later apprehended.

The 25-year-old gunman was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On September 20, 1955, his sentence was commuted to a term that made him eligible for parole.

Patrolman Reinhardt was a United States Army World War I veteran and had served with the Monroe Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife, parents, brother, and sister.