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Incident
Patrolman Harold Roth and Patrolman Elbert Crout were shot and mortally wounded by a man whom they surprised operating a liquor still in a gravel pit. As the officers were attempting to take the suspect into custody he grabbed Patrolman Crout's service revolver and shot both of them. The suspect was captured a short time later along with his father and another man who were with him at the time of the shooting. Both officers died from their wounds hours later. The suspect was transported to a jail in a neighboring county because of fear that he would be lynched. The next day officers were on there way back with the suspect when he suddenly jumped from the vehicle and ran. He was shot three times after he ignored orders to halt. The next day the suspect was shot and killed by a police officer in his hospital room when he tried to take the officer's service revolver away from him. Patrolman Roth had served with the Middletown Police Department for 67 days.
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Roth served with the Middletown Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Middletown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Roth.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Middletown Police Department has lost 8 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Harold is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Harold is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harold is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1928, 3 officers at Middletown Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1928, 15 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Harold was 23. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Middletown Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 32; the middle age was 32. Harold had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 1.5 years.
Harold was 23. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Harold had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Harold was 23. 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. Harold had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harold was 23. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Harold had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 40% of these deaths at Middletown Police Department, more than any other month. Saturdays: 40%.
May holds 9.3% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Saturdays: 17%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 8 deaths at Middletown Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 4.2% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Middletown Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Harold among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Middletown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
