David R. Wiley, a 27-year-old male officer of the Mayfield Village Police Department, tragically died on September 5, 1979. Wiley was accidentally shot and killed by another officer while manning a roadblock at Ridgebury Boulevard and Som Center Road in Mayfield Village. The incident occurred during a pursuit of a suspect wanted for indecent exposure. As officers from neighboring Mayfield Heights chased the suspect, gunfire was exchanged.
One of the rounds fired by the pursuing officers ricocheted off the suspect's vehicle and struck Patrolman Wiley, who was killed instantly.
The suspect involved in the incident was charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Wiley's death. Wiley, a United States Marine Corps veteran, had served with the Mayfield Village Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife and parents.
The circumstances of Wiley's death were a tragic result of a chaotic and dangerous situation. The officers involved in the pursuit were responding to a report of indecent exposure at the Golden Gate Shopping Center on Mayfield Road. The pursuit led to the roadblock where Wiley was stationed. The suspect's vehicle entered the roadblock area, and several shots were fired by the officers. Unfortunately, one of the rounds struck Wiley, leading to his untimely death.
Wiley's death deeply affected the community and law enforcement agencies. Many officers and firefighters attended his funeral, and a memorial park was established in his honor. Wiley's legacy is remembered by those who knew him and by the community he served.
In summary, David R. Wiley's death was an accidental result of a police pursuit gone awry. His sacrifice is honored by his fellow officers and the community, and his memory lives on through the memorial park named in his honor.
