On January 31, 1986, Mark S. Decker, a 31-year-old male police officer with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, was tragically shot and killed while attempting to question a suspicious man at the Brecksville Veterans Administration Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Officer Decker and his colleague, Officer Leonard Wilcox, were armed only with mace due to administrative guidelines. The suspect, Justin A.
Claytor, a 28-year-old male Army veteran diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, pulled out a .45 caliber handgun and shot Officer Decker, killing him instantly. Officer Wilcox attempted to run for cover but was also shot by Claytor.
The incident began when Claytor and another man, Gary Powell, entered the V.A. Hospital. Claytor had a history of mental health issues and had been previously diagnosed as not being a threat to himself or others. However, he was wanted for shooting an unarmed security guard and a customer at a Lawson’s Milk Store in Cleveland. When Officer Decker and Officer Wilcox spotted Claytor and Powell, they attempted to question them. Upon being asked for identification, Claytor produced the handgun and opened fire.
Following the shooting, Claytor was captured a short time later while attempting to hold a V.A. patient hostage. He was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to two life terms. Claytor will be eligible for parole on October 1, 2046. Officer Decker had served in law enforcement for 11 years and was single at the time of his death.
The tragic loss of Officer Mark S. Decker and Officer Leonard Wilcox highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of proper administrative policies regarding the arming of officers. The incident also underscored the challenges of dealing with individuals suffering from severe mental health issues.
