Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Edward Obriest was shot and killed by an unknown suspect while working an undercover assignment at the 300 block of Illinois Street. Patrolman Obriest was working as a decoy for the vice squad on May 16, 1931. The squad was focusing on the 300 block of Illinois Street near Division Street after they had received several complaints of prostitution, gambling, and other vice activity. Patrolman Obriest came upon a male with a jug of whiskey. He confronted the man, pulling up his sweater to identify himself as a police officer. A scuffle ensued, catching the attention of the man's 19-year-old stepson, who ran off to get a weapon and then returned and shot Patrolman Obriest, who died from his wounds three days later. Patrolman Obriest served with the Toledo Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-B136CFB3- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Obriest gave the Toledo Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Toledo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Obriest.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Edward A. Obriest is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 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 57.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Toledo Police Department, 25 of 32 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 78.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Edward A. Obriest's cause is highlighted.
How Edward A. Obriest Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Edward A. Obriest is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Edward A. Obriest was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
31 officers from Toledo Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
