National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Officer Rank: Lieutenant

Memorial Panel: 33-W: 15

Department: Cleveland, Ohio, P.D.

End of Watch: December 9, 1957

Cause: SHOT

Age: 58

Years of Service: 31

Description: Lieutenant Lentz was shot while attempting to arrest three robbery suspects. A couple had been held up in their own home, bound and locked in the basement. The husband freed himself and climbed through the window and flagged down Lieutenant Lentz, who was on patrol. As he arrived at the house, Lieutenant Lentz observed the suspects fleeing. Lieutenant Lentz sounded his siren and pulled the suspects over. As Lieutenant Lentz attempted to question the suspects, one of the men drew a gun and shot Lieutenant Lentz at point-blank range. Lieutenant Lentz died at the scene. The three suspects were charged with murder and tried separately in a court of law. One suspect was acquitted, the second was sentenced to life in prison and the third suspect was executed via the electric chair.