Patrolman William Frederick Meyer

William Frederick Meyer

Patrolman William Meyer was shot and killed by in a shootout with five men who had just robbed a grocery store. He confronted the suspects in the grocery store parking lot at 2100 Gardiner Lane as they were making their escape.

One of the suspects was captured in Vincennes, Indiana, the next day. Three were apprehended in Racine, Wisconsin, three days later. The fifth suspect was captured by FBI agents in Tampa, Florida, on March 2, 1968. All five were out of jail and under bond for grocery store robberies committed in Madison, Wisconsin, and Springfield, Illinois. Four of the suspects, 27, 29, 31, and 45, were found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to death July 3, 1968. In 1972 their sentences were commuted to life. All four would be eligible for parole in 1974.

Patrolman Meyer served with the Louisville Police Department for 11 years and was survived by his wife and children. In 1959 he was cited for unusual bravery when he rescued two people from a fire.