Police Officer Derek Wayne Owens, Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio

Police Officer Derek Wayne Owens

Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio

End of Watch Saturday, March 1, 2008

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Derek Wayne Owens

Officer Derek Owens was shot and killed as he and his partner chased four suspects in the city's southeast side.

The officer and his partner had observed the four men drinking beer in an abandoned lot and approached to speak to them. The men fled on foot as the officers pursued them.
One of the suspects produced a handgun and opened fire, striking Officer Owens once in the abdomen, below his vest.

Other officers transported Officer Owens to a local hospital in the back of a patrol car. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after midnight while undergoing surgery.

All four suspects were taken into custody following a house to house search in the area. In November 2008 one of the suspects was convicted of murder and sentenced to life without parole.

Officer Owens had served with the Cleveland Police Department for 10 years and was assigned to the 4th District. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 36
Tour 10 years
Badge 746

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Friday, February 29, 2008
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

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Rest In Peace Officer. My dad is also a Fallen Officer, who was killed on March 1. (1978). He also left a wife, and two children. I pray your family is well. It can be hard for those left behind to pick up the pieces, and go on. Thank you for your service, and sacrifice, and thank your family for theirs. May God Bless you all.

Michael Williams

March 1, 2025