U.S. Air Force · United States 
Stephen J. Ondas
1972
Stephen J. Ondas served the U.S. Air Force for 3 years. Stephen served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Officer Stephen Ondas was shot and killed by the 19-year-old driver of a car he and his partner stopped for not having any headlights. The suspect had a traffic warrant, resisted arrest, and fled. The officers pursued the suspect, and a struggle ensued near the police cruiser, where the suspect grabbed Officer Ondas' firearm, shot Officer Ondas in the chest, and then shot his partner. His partner recovered after a short stay in the hospital. The suspect surrendered to police several hours later. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life on February 20, 1973. He will be eligible for parole on March 1, 2023. Officer Ondas had served with the Akron Police Department for only six months.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and daughter, born a few weeks after his death.
Service Record
U.S. Air Force
1965 – 1968
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Akron Police Department
Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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