Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Walter Commins was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle parked in front of the house at 123 Elm Avenue in Wyoming, Ohio. Shortly after 9:00 p.m., Patrolman Commins was patrolling the area on Elm Avenue when he noticed a suspicious vehicle in front of a residence and a man lurking near the door. When he approached the car, the subject honked the horn and the other man ran to the car and pointed his pistol at Patrolman Commins. Patrolman Commins attempted to gain control of the gun, but the man fired, striking him in the groin and chest. Patrolman Commins returned fire at the fleeing vehicle. He was transported to General Hospital where was pronounced dead. The subjects were never apprehended. Patrolman Commins had served with the Wyoming Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-85D2135C- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Commins gave the Wyoming Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wyoming community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Commins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Walter Commins 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 Wyoming Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Walter Commins's cause is highlighted.
How Walter Commins Compares
Offender Outcome
Never apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter Commins is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter Commins was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Wyoming Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
