Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Thomas Cottrell was shot and killed from ambush behind the village's municipal building shortly after 11:00 pm.
At approximately 11:20 pm dispatchers received a call from a female subject stating that police officers in Danville were in danger. She stated her ex-boyfriend was armed and intended to kill a police officer.
Dispatchers were unable to reach Officer Cottrell on the radio. A massive search was initiated involving officers from other nearby agencies. His body was found behind the village's municipal building approximately 30 minutes later. His service weapon and patrol car had been stolen.
Officers took the suspect into custody at approximately 1:30 am after spotting him running from a home in the village.
Officer Cottrell had served in law enforcement for 13 years. Prior to joining the Danville Police Department, he had served with the Frazeysburg Police Department, Thornville Police Department, and Utica Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his three children, mother, father, stepmother, and several half-siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-522D1D0F- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Cottrell gave the Danville Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Danville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Cottrell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Thomas Wayne Cottrell, Jr. 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 97,756 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 57.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas Wayne Cottrell, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Thomas Wayne Cottrell, Jr. Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas Wayne Cottrell, Jr. is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas Wayne Cottrell, Jr. was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Danville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.