Patrolman Eric Bradford Taylor, 31, was shot and killed on August 9, 2002, after a multi-stage pursuit that began with a traffic stop by a state trooper at Ohio 21 and Edwards Street in Doylestown. Patrolman Taylor and the suspect exchanged gunfire while still in their vehicles, and the suspect then ran on foot. Officers, including Taylor, continued to exchange gunfire with the fleeing suspect during the foot pursuit. Both Patrolman Taylor and the suspect were fatally wounded in the encounters.

Taylor had served four years with the Massillon Police Department and is survived by his wife, a 3-year-old son, and a 1-year-old daughter. The shooting left a deep impact on the Massillon and law enforcement communities. If anyone has information about the events leading up to that night or remembers Patrolman Taylor’s service, please share what you know.