Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable Pop Prince was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle in front of the Elida High School at 401 East North Street in Elida. Based on imprints on the bullets in his service revolver, he had attempted to return fire, but the gun misfired four times. Two suspects, ages 21 and 22, were arrested in connection with Constable Prince's murder. The suspects, who had very lengthy criminal records, were planning to rob a nearby bank. The shooter was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. The other suspect was also convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life but had his sentence commuted to 12 years to life on November 19, 1974. Constable Prince had served with the American Township Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and three sons. One of his sons served as the Elida town marshal at the time of his murder.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and three sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-620C76C8- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Prince gave the American Township Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Elida community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Prince.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable Clarence E. "Pop" Prince is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Clarence E. "Pop" Prince's cause is highlighted.
How Clarence E. "Pop" Prince Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Clarence E. "Pop" Prince is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Clarence E. "Pop" Prince was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.