Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Lazear was shot and killed by a homeowner who mistook him for a robbery suspect at 3 Pike Street. The man had been robbed at his home by two suspects and called police. When Patrolman Lazear responded to the scene he began to open the home's door but was shot by the homeowner. Patrolman Lazear served with the Wheeling Police Department for two years and was recently engaged to be married
In Our Keeping
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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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Lazear gave the Wheeling Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wheeling community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Lazear.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Ray Melvin Lazear 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 WV, 169 of 232 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.8% of this state's fallen. That is 72.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Wheeling Police Department, 5 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ray Melvin Lazear's cause is highlighted.
How Ray Melvin Lazear Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ray Melvin Lazear is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ray Melvin Lazear was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Wheeling Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
