Patrick Switzer

How they died

Deadly force

Two officers shot Patrick Switzer four times when he allegedly charged at them with a knife after a six-block foot pursuit. The officers responded to a domestic disturbance just after 11 p.m. and found Switzer quarreling with his girlfriend inside a home in the 400 block Main Street. Switzer came outside and began arguing with police, and then walked away. The officers followed Switzer until he allegedly turned and came at them with the knife. The officers opened fire. Switzer died at a hospital. This was reportedly the first fatal police shooting in city history.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Patrick Switzer, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources