Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Keith Dressel was shot and killed when he and another detective interrupted a drug deal on Ontario Street, near Bush Street, at approximately 2:00 am.
One of the suspects fled on foot when the detectives exited their vehicle and identified themselves. Detective Dressel chased that suspect as the other detective took the second suspect into custody.
The juvenile suspect opened fire on Detective Dressel during the foot pursuit, striking him once in the chest. Despite being mortally wounded, Detective Dressel was able to return fire but did not strike the shooter. The 15-year-old boy was taken into custody later in the day after agreeing to turn himself in to his probation officer.
On November 30th, 2007, the suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 18 years to life. He was denied parole in 2025, and his next parole date is in October 2032.
Detective Dressel had served with the Toledo Police Department for 14 years and was assigned to the Vice / Narcotics Bureau.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two children, parents, brother, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-40B46624- 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 Keith. 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.
Detective Dressel gave the Toledo Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Toledo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Dressel.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Keith Dressel 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 Toledo Police Dept., 25 of 32 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 78.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Keith Dressel's cause is highlighted.
How Keith Dressel Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 18 years to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Keith Dressel is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Keith Dressel was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
31 officers from Toledo Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
