TOLEDO, Ohio — Washington Jr. High School's parking lot will soon be filled with candles in honor of Officer Brandon Stalker, who was killed in the line of duty in 2021.
The community is invited to meet up at the student parking lot across from Washington Junior High School for a two-year candle lighting memorial starting Wednesday at 5 p.m.
While you're there, you can also donate cat and dog food in honor of Officer Stalker's love of animals.
On Jan. 18th, 2021 around 4 p.m., Toledo police spotted a suspect for a fire and vandalism incident that took place at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral.
The suspect fled inside his house after he brandished a firearm. Officers set up a perimeter around the home and called in negotiators and SWAT.
Stalker was on the perimeter stationed to keep residents away from the scene.
After attempts to negotiate with the suspect were unsuccessful, SWAT fired tear gas into the house. Once the tear gas was used, the suspect exited the house and fired gunshots in several directions.
One struck Stalker in the head. He was transported to St. Vincent Medical Center where he later died.
The suspect was shot by police on the scene and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Officer Stalker was a 2015 graduate of Whitmer High School. He played baseball throughout high school, as well as travel ball. He went on after graduating school to coach Whitmer baseball and was a mentor to many students.
Officer Stalker left behind a fiancé, a daughter, a son, and many other family members.
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