Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Bud Lee was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a 16-year-old juvenile who had just kidnapped a 13-year-old girl at gunpoint. The boy told the girl's 8-year-old sister to run home, and then he took the girl to a dark area behind a church at the corner of Center Street and Wright Street. When the girl's sister got home, she told her mother what happened, and the mother immediately called the police. Patrolman Lee responded to the area and located the boy as he was attempting to rape the girl behind the church. Patrolman Lee grabbed the boy, who pulled out a .22 caliber handgun as he tried to get away. He fired three rounds from the gun before it jammed. As he continued to struggle, he was able to clear the jam and fired three more rounds, this time mortally wounding Patrolman Lee. The suspect hitchhiked his way to Wilmington, where he was located and arrested. He had recently been released from a reform school after serving nine months for robbery. He was convicted of Patrolman Lee's murder and sentenced to life in prison on January 20, 1950. He received an additional 1 to 20 years for attempted rape. He was in prison in 1969. Patrolman Lee had served with the Blanchester Police Department for only 9 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, father, and stepmother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-A6AB93FB- 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 Lewis. 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.
Patrolman Lee served with the Blanchester Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Blanchester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Lee.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Lewis Burdette "Bud" Lee 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Lewis Burdette "Bud" Lee's cause is highlighted.
How Lewis Burdette "Bud" Lee Compares
Offender Outcome
sex offense
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Lewis Burdette "Bud" Lee is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Lewis Burdette "Bud" Lee was killed by handgun; .22 caliber.