Patrolman Louis Weick, a member of the Cleveland Division of Police, tragically died on December 10, 1903, from injuries sustained the previous day. He was on foot patrol when he encountered a group of men causing a disturbance in front of a restaurant. As he approached, the men dispersed, except for one man, Thomas Bishotta, who began arguing with Patrolman Weick. During the altercation, Bishotta pulled out a revolver and shot Weick in the abdomen.
Weick managed to fire two shots at Bishotta, but missed. Bishotta attempted to flee but was apprehended by other officers who arrived at the scene.
Weick was taken to Cleveland General Hospital, where he regained consciousness and identified his attacker. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries later that morning. Bishotta was convicted of second-degree murder on January 20, 1905, and initially sentenced to life in prison. However, his sentence was commuted to 15 years by Governor James Cox in 1914, and he was released the same day.
Patrolman Louis Weick was only 29 years old at the time of his death. He had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for just nine months and was survived by his wife and young daughter. His name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
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