Patrol Officer Hilary S. Cudnik, 47, of the Cleveland Division of Police, was shot and killed on December 30, 1996, while making a felony traffic stop on a stolen vehicle. He and his partner, Officer Frank Costanzo, had been pursuing the stolen car after it crashed into a building. The suspect, described as a 37-year-old convicted felon and drug abuser, exited the vehicle armed with a .223 caliber Mini-14 rifle and opened fire. Officer Cudnik was struck multiple times, including a fatal wound to the chest, and died after being taken to Mount Sinai Hospital.

Backup units returned fire and severely wounded the suspect, who was later arrested and convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Officer Cudnik had served eight years with the Cleveland Division of Police and was survived by his mother and three sons. His name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall, and the Cleveland Police Department and the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society continue to honor his service.

If anyone knew Officer Cudnik, his family, or was in the area that day and has information about the incident, please share what you know.