Incident
Patrolman Wiltse was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest several burglars. Patrolman Wiltse was on patrol in an area that had been plagued with burglaries and arson over the past few nights. While walking his beat, Patrolman Wiltse heard noises from the rear of a store and went to investigate. There he found two men attempted to pry open the window of the building. Patrolman Wiltse recognized on of the men as being wanted in connection with the burglaries and arson. Patrolman Wiltse stated "I know you; you are the man I have been looking for," when the suspect turned and fired a shot, striking Patrolman Wiltse in the face. Patrolman Wiltse was able to return fire, striking the suspect, but the suspect fired again, killing Patrolman Wiltse. The suspect also died on the scene. The second suspect fled, but was later apprehended.
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BO-US-NY-DE8FE7DD- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
157 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Wiltse served with the Owego Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Owego community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Issac Wiltse 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 NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Owego Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Issac Wiltse's cause is highlighted.
How Issac Wiltse Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Issac Wiltse is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Issac Wiltse was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Owego Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
