Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Freed was shot and killed by a suspect who had just shot another officer. Patrolman Freed and his partner were on foot patrol in the downtown section of the city when they heard a gunshot. They ran to the area where the shot originated and observed a man running from the scene. The suspect had just been arrested for burglary by another officer and was being walked to jail when he pulled out a revolver and shot the officer in the shoulder. The suspect shot at Patrolman Freed as the officers chased him. Patrolman Freed was struck in the chest and mortally wounded. The man was shot, apprehended by other officers, convicted of the murder, and executed. Patrolman Freed had served with the Youngstown Police Department for one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-6CB082AD- 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
135 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Freed gave the Youngstown Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Youngstown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William Freed 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 Youngstown Police Department, 8 of 12 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Freed's cause is highlighted.
How William Freed Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Freed is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Freed was killed by handgun; revolver.
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Youngstown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
