OHIO OFFICER DIES AFTER 1979 GUNSHOT WOUND.

Police Officer Tom Hayes
Columbus Division of Police
Ohio
End of Watch: Thursday, January 20, 2011Biographical Info
Age: 61
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: Not available

This is one of those stories that really saddens you! Some stupid ass teens shot him in a time when teens didn't even have guns! This cop lived in PAIN. May his soul rest in perfect peace

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, December 18, 1979
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Not available

Officer Tom Hayes succumbed to complications of a gunshot wound sustained 31 years earlier while attempting to arrest two teens on a curfew violation.

He had responded to a local convenience store after receiving reports of a disturbance by the two teens. The boys had been drinking, smoking marijuana and had taken LSD. As Officer Hayes attempted to arrest them a scuffle ensued in which one of the boys pulled out a handgun and shot him in the back. The wound caused him to become paralyzed below the waist.

Officer Hayes' continued to suffer serious health issues as the result of the wound, including the amputation of one of his legs six years prior to his death.

Despite his wounds and health issues, Officer Hayes continued to work as a civilian sketch artist for the Columbus Division of Police. Prior to being shot, he had served with the agency for seven years. He is survived by his wife.

ODMP