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Incident
Policeman Martin Draft was killed in a vehicle crash while returning to the station to retrieve a patrol wagon and notify other officers he needed assistance.
Earlier in his shift, he had arrested two men who had attempted to flee from him and crashed into a business at the intersection of W Jefferson Avenue and Henry Street. The vehicle was transporting illegal whiskey and the collision caused over 75 gallons of the liquor to spill onto the roadway. He had taken the men to the station and returned to duty.
Approximately 15 minutes later he attempted to stop another vehicle that also fled from him. After the fleeing vehicle crashed into another car at the River Rouge bridge, Policeman Draft turned around to rush back to the station to retrieve the patrol wagon and request assistance. He lost control of his motorcycle as he drove through the pooled-up whiskey on the roadway from the previous crash. The motorcycle struck a utility pole and he suffered fatal injuries.
Policeman Draft was survived by his wife and two young children.
Survivors
Policeman Draft was survived by his wife and two young children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Draft served with the River Rouge Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the River Rouge community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Draft.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
River Rouge Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Martin is one of 224 officers lost to accidents in MI, 31.9% of the 703 remembered there.
Martin is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Martin is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1919, 1 officer in MI was lost to accidents, the 66th heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 8.
In 1919, 51 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 94th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1919, 55 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 96th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Martin was 36. Of the 212 lost to accidents in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 34.
Martin was 36. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36.
Martin was 36. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
May holds 10.7% of these deaths in MI; August holds the most, 14.3%. Thursdays: 14.7%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at River Rouge Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 31.9% of all 703 deaths in MI, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
River Rouge Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Martin among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from River Rouge Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
