Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Walter Pruehs was shot and killed while questioning three suspicious men he encountered at West 25th Street and Henritze Avenue while walking to work. During the questioning he instructed the men to walk with him to a police call box so that he could call for backups. As they walked the men suddenly produced revolvers, turned around, and one of them opened fire, striking Patrolman Pruehs in the abdomen. Patrolman Pruehs was able to return fire but did not strike the suspects. Patrolman Pruehs was able to make it to the call box and call for help. He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds that evening. It was discovered that the three suspects were also wanted in connection with the burglary of Ott Cut-Rate Pharmacy at 3661 Fulton Road, where burglars carried away a three-hundred-pound safe containing six hundred dollars in cash and 100 postage stamps.
Survivors
Patrolman Pruehs had been with the agency for five years and was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-D50438AF- 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 Walter. 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 Pruehs gave the Cleveland Division of Police 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cleveland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Pruehs.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Walter J. Pruehs 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 Cleveland Division of Police, 83 of 119 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Walter J. Pruehs's cause is highlighted.
How Walter J. Pruehs Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter J. Pruehs is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter J. Pruehs was killed by handgun; revolver.
Others Who Wore This Badge
118 officers from Cleveland Division of Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
