The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our Fallen Officers on the anniversaries of their End of Watch.
Derek Owens was someone that people instinctively followed because of his strong character and charisma. On February 9, 1999 Derek graduated from the academy and was assigned to the Fifth District. After a short period of time, he transferred to the Fourth District where he worked for almost ten years.
On February 29, 2008, Owens and Patrol Officer Robert Goines spotted a group of males in front of an abandoned house, a location known for loitering and drug sales. Owens and Goines observed the males drinking beer out of open containers and proceeded to investigate further. As the officers approached, the males fled on foot. Owens and Goines chased different suspects. After a brief foot pursuit, Owens made a radio broadcast stating that shots were fired and he had been hit.
Fellow officers transported Derek to Metro Health Medical Center where he underwent several hours of surgery. Unfortunately, his injuries were too severe and he passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2008.
Patrol Officer Derek W. Owens was survived by his wife Ericka, his children Sydni and Chandler, and extended family and friends. Following services Mt. Zion of Oakwood Village Church, he was laid to rest in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
In 2019, the community opened the Officer Derek Owens’ Memorial Park. The reflective park is in the memory of Officer Owens and in unity with his family as a way for the community to show their respect and condolences.
