Patrolman William J. Keller, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio

Patrolman William J. Keller

Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio

End of Watch Saturday, October 14, 1972

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William J. Keller

Patrolman William Keller was struck and killed by a drunk driver while conducting a traffic stop on I-76 in Portage County.

At 9:00 p.m., Patrolman Keller stopped a driver a mile west of the Ravenna exit (current day Prospect Street) when a vehicle traveling east hit the car, knocking Patrolman Keller into the roadway. The driver fled the scene.

The driver was apprehended but died before standing trial.

Patrolman Keller was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Ohio State Highway Patrol for 10 months, assigned to the Ravenna Post. He was survived by his wife, child, and parents.

Bio

Age 27
Tour 10 months
Badge Keller
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
Offender Not available

hit-and-run, Impaired Driver, traffic stop

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NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice Patrolman William J. Keller of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio and additional 83 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this in history.

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

October 14, 2025