Detective Sergeant Walter A. Connell

End of Watch: Thursday, May 27, 1971

Age: 55
Tour of Duty: 17 years

Cause of Death: Heart attack
Date of Incident: Thursday, May 27, 1971

While conducting a follow-up investigation on several armed robberies, Detective Sergeant W. A. Connell and another detective went to a residence to interview a person known to have information about a suspect. Upon arriving at the residence and knocking on the door, the detectives were confronted by the suspect who was armed with a handgun.

Both detectives were taken hostage and their hands and feet were bound using handcuffs and electrical cord. The suspect then left the residence, leaving the two detectives alone inside the house.

Sergeant Connell was able to crawl over to a telephone where he was able to dial the police dispatcher and report their situation.

Sergeant Connell then collapsed on the floor and died from a massive heart attack. The Medical Examiner determined the heart attack was the result of the severe stress placed on Sergeant Connell by the situation.

At the time of his death, Sergeant Connell had served 17 years with the Longview Police Department.

Sergeant Connell was survived by his wife and two children.