Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Howard was the first black officer to be killed in the line of duty while serving with the Detroit Police Department. He was shot and killed while working an undercover operation in an attempt to purchase illegal liquor at an after-hours gambling and drinking establishment at 1491 Macomb Street. Officer Howard entered the speakeasy or "blind pig" with an informant and then became involved in an argument while inside. Officer Howard was shot by the speakeasy's owner but was able to return fire, killing the suspect. Officer Howard was taken to Receiving Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officer Howard had served with the Detroit Police Department for 2 years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MI-FD37E3B0- 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 Reed. 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.
Police Officer Howard gave the Detroit Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Detroit community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Howard.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Reed Howard 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 MI, 426 of 719 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.2% of this state's fallen. That is 59.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Detroit Police Department, 177 of 250 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Reed Howard's cause is highlighted.
How Reed Howard Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Reed Howard is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Reed Howard was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
249 officers from Detroit Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
