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Incident
Patrolman Howard Taft was shot and killed after arresting a man for drunk driving. Unbeknownst to Patrolman Taft, the suspect had just murdered a prostitute as well. He was driving an off-duty officer home when they stopped at the scene of an accident. After determining the driver was drunk, Patrolman Taft began to drive the suspect's vehicle to the station as the off-duty officer drove the patrol car back. After driving only 100 yards, Patrolman Taft stopped to free a piece of the car that was dragging on the ground. The suspect then took the keys from the car and was confronted by Patrolman Taft, who ordered him to release the keys. The suspect then returned to the vehicle and opened fire with a weapon, mortally wounding Patrolman Taft. Patrolman Taft returned fire, hitting the suspect six times and killing him. The body of the prostitute was later found in the trunk of the vehicle. Patrolman Taft had served with the Elyria Police Department for ten months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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 Taft served with the Elyria Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Elyria community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Taft.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Elyria Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Howard is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Howard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Howard 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 1942, 2 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1942, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 79th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1942, 120 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Howard was 29. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Howard had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Howard was 29. 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. Howard had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Howard was 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Howard had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 7.7% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Tuesdays: 14.5%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Elyria Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Elyria Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Howard 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
2 officers from Elyria Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
