Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Oscar Reinhardt was shot and killed while pursuing a speeding automobile containing seven men who had just robbed patrons at the Allendale Inn in Detroit. The suspects shot and wounded two men and a woman before escaping with $6,000 to $20,000 in money and jewelry. When they sped through Monroe, Patrolman Reinhardt attempted to stop the automobile while on his motorcycle. The driver fired at Patrolman Reinhardt four times in the stomach. Patrolman Reinhardt returned fire and struck one suspect in the shoulder. Patrolman Reinhardt succumbed to his wounds two hours later. The suspects abandoned the car in a swamp just outside Monroe next to Lake Erie. A posse, several deputy sheriffs, and the Michigan National Guard captured five of the suspects, including the gunman, during a seven-day manhunt. The other two were identified and later apprehended. The 25-year-old gunman was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On September 20, 1955, his sentence was commuted to a term that made him eligible for parole. Patrolman Reinhardt was a United States Army World War I veteran and had served with the Monroe Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, parents, brother, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MI-D0782219- 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.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Reinhardt gave the Monroe Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Monroe community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Oscar J. Reinhardt served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Oscar J. Reinhardt 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 MI, 426 of 718 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.3% of this state's fallen. That is 5.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Monroe Police Department, 1 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Oscar J. Reinhardt's cause is highlighted.
How Oscar J. Reinhardt Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Oscar J. Reinhardt is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Oscar J. Reinhardt was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Monroe Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
