Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Horn was shot and killed after stopping a man carrying a concealed weapon at the intersection of Warren Street and Hollencamp Street (modern-day Washington Street and South Patterson Boulevard). Patrolman Horn disarmed the suspect, but a struggle ensued, and the man regained control of the gun, fired five times, and killed Patrolman Horn. The suspect was later shot and apprehended. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. He was awarded a new trial and subsequently acquitted on March 23rd, 1929. Patrolman Horn had served with the Dayton Police Department for 12 years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-6838D1FA- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. 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 Horn gave the Dayton Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Dayton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Horn.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William C. Horn is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 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 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Dayton Police Department, 18 of 31 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William C. Horn's cause is highlighted.
How William C. Horn Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William C. Horn is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William C. Horn was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
30 officers from Dayton Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
