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Incident
Patrolman Hartzell was shot and killed in an unprovoked attack in the downtown section of Youngstown, near Powers Auditorium, at 0220 am.
Patrolman Hartzell was returning to headquarters when he observed a suspicious vehicle in front of him at a red light. Patrolman Hartzell did not initiate a traffic stop but began to run the car's plate information. As he did so, the driver exited the car and opened fire on Patrolman Hartzell. Patrolman Hartzell was transported to St. Elizabeth's Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
The suspect fled the scene after the shooting. He was arrested in Pinellas County, Florida, two days later by members of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the FBI. The suspect was found guilty of capital murder in November 2003 and sentenced to death. On May 7, 2005, the suspect committed suicide in his cell at the Mansfield Correctional Institution.
Patrolman Hartzell had served with the Youngstown Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He is survived by his fiancée, parents, and brother.
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 Hartzell gave the Youngstown Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Youngstown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hartzell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Youngstown Police Department has lost 12 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
Michael is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2003, 1 officer at Youngstown Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2003, 1 officer in OH was killed feloniously, the 114th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 2003, 64 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2003, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 26. Of the 8 killed feloniously at Youngstown Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 30.8 and 38.8; the middle age was 34.5. Michael had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Michael was 26. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Michael was 26. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 26. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 12.5% of these deaths at Youngstown Police Department; December holds the most, 25%. Tuesdays: 37.5%.
April holds 9.6% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Tuesdays: 14.5%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 12 deaths at Youngstown Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 12.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 6.1% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Youngstown Police Department has 12 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
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William Freed
May 20, 1891
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Alfred Evans
Nov 5, 1911
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Samuel Banks
Oct 6, 1919
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Alexander Warren
May 3, 1921
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George Leonard
Mar 30, 1924
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Benjamin J. Yeadon
Feb 7, 1925
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Henry Alosious Clemens
Dec 4, 1927
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Frank Cichon
Dec 21, 1963
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Ralph J. DeSalle, Jr.
Jun 13, 1984
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Paul Joseph Durkin
Sep 22, 1987
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Millard Williams
Apr 14, 1992
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Michael Thomas Hartzell
Apr 29, 2003
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Youngstown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
