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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
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lewis is the only officer of Blanchester Police Department remembered here.
Lewis is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Lewis is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Lewis is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1949, 2 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1949, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1949, 65 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 122nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Lewis was 47. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Lewis had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Lewis was 47. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Lewis had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Lewis was 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Lewis had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 8.6% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Fridays: 13.3%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Blanchester Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-W
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