On July 15, 1978, Charles D. Burdsall, a 29-year-old Caucasian male police officer with the Cincinnati Police Department, was shot and killed while on duty. Officer Burdsall, a Vietnam veteran, had served with the Cincinnati Police Division for over five years. He was known for his dedication and bravery, having been recognized for his investigative skills and aggressive patrol techniques.
The tragic incident occurred when Officer Burdsall stopped a vehicle he suspected of being involved
in an armed robbery at a convenience store minutes earlier. As he approached the vehicle on West McMicken Avenue, he was shot by one of the suspects, Wayne Reed. Reed fired multiple rounds at Officer Burdsall, hitting him in the mouth, back, and side as he fell to the ground. Despite the severity of his injuries, Officer Burdsall managed to utter his last words, "508 – 508," referring to the car number.
A 19-year-old member of the citizen's crime watch, David Mellon, who was riding with Officer Burdsall, exited the cruiser, retrieved Burdsall's gun, and fired several rounds at the fleeing vehicle, helping to identify the suspects. Mellon was shot in the back but survived his injuries. The suspects, Wayne Reed and Russell Bell, were later apprehended and charged with the murder of Officer Burdsall and the attempted murder of Mellon.
Wayne Reed was initially sentenced to death, but his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Russell Bell was also sentenced to life imprisonment. Both suspects have been denied parole multiple times, with their next parole hearings scheduled for May 2024.
Officer Burdsall is survived by his wife, three children, his parents, three brothers, and a sister. His brother, Donald Burdsall, also served with the Cincinnati Police Division. Officer Burdsall's legacy lives on through the impact he made during his service and the memory of his ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
