Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman George Werne was shot and killed at 9:10 am while searching three robbery suspects at the Hickory Street Railroad Crossing. When three officers approached the subjects, they fired at the officers before they had a chance to draw their weapons. Patrolman Werne was shot in the spine and died instantly. The two other officers survived their wounds. The three suspects were apprehended. One of the suspects suffered a gunshot wound when he fired at officers attempting to arrest him. He was found guilty of first-degree murder and executed on March 31, 1920. Another suspect was found guilty and sentenced to life. The third suspect escaped and was never apprehended. Officer Werne had served with the Akron Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-41F775D4- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew George. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Werne gave the Akron Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Akron community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Werne.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman George Werne 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 Akron Police Department, 16 of 28 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. George Werne's cause is highlighted.
How George Werne Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. George Werne is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. George Werne was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
27 officers from Akron Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
