Thomas Raymond Hayes, a 61-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity, passed away on January 20, 2011, in Columbus, Ohio. His death was ruled a homicide by the Franklin County Coroner, linked to injuries sustained 31 years earlier when he was shot by a teenager while attempting to arrest two teens on a curfew violation. Hayes, who was 30 years old at the time of the shooting, had served with the Columbus Division of Police for seven years.
On December 18, 1979, Hayes responded to a disturbance at a local convenience store. The two teenagers involved had been drinking, smoking marijuana, and had taken LSD. During the arrest attempt, one of the teens, Ronald L. McClary, pulled out a handgun and shot Hayes in the back, paralyzing him from the waist down. McClary was convicted of felonious assault and carrying a concealed weapon and served nearly 24 years in prison before being released in December 2004.
Despite his injuries, Hayes continued to work as a civilian sketch artist for the Columbus Division of Police from 1986 to 1997. He faced numerous health issues and infections over the years, which worsened with age. In March 2011, his death was officially ruled a homicide, and the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office reviewed the case to determine if any additional charges could be pursued against McClary.
Hayes' death was ruled in the line of duty, making his family eligible for additional financial benefits through the U.S. Department of Justice. Hayes was known for his forgiving nature and continued to be remembered and honored by his colleagues and the community.
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