Patrolman Anton Bachman, aged 60, of the Cincinnati Police Department, was shot and killed on October 8, 1907, while responding to a report of a drunk man threatening his wife. The suspect, who was known to Patrolman Bachman, opened fire when Patrolman Bachman opened the front door. The suspect was apprehended and sentenced to 15 years in prison but was released early in 1923.
Patrolman Bachman had served with the Cincinnati Police Department in the fourth district for over 21 years.
He was a widower who was survived by his seven children and his father. He is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery, Hamilton County, Ohio.
The suspect's early release in 1923 was a controversial decision that sparked discussions about the justice system at the time. Despite the suspect's conviction, the early parole raised questions about the effectiveness of the legal system in ensuring justice for fallen officers and their families.
Patrolman Bachman's death remains a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. His sacrifice is honored by the Cincinnati Police Department and remembered by his descendants and fellow officers.
