The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our Fallen Officers on the anniversary of their End of Watch.
Patrolman Louis Mlakar, who was appointed in 1914, was best known as the traffic policeman in front of City Hall. He made many acquaintances while directing traffic downtown. At the time of his death, the 24 year veteran assigned to the Fifth District Emergency Wagon.
On July 19, 1938, Mlakar and his partner, Patrolman Myron Ledwick, were transporting a 24 year old burglary suspect to Central Police Station for questioning.
Ledwick drove while Mlakar rode the back bumper, riding as rear guard to the prisoner. As the “Paddy Wagon” traveled west on Quincy, it was struck by a bakery truck traveling north on East 71st Street. The impact overturned the Paddy Wagon and Mlakar was thrown onto the pavement. Mlakar was rushed to Poly Clinic Hospital where he was treated for a fractured skull, fractured right leg, and internal injuries. At 10:14 pm Patrolman Louis Mlakar died as a result of his injuries.
Witnesses were quoted saying, “The bakery truck was traveling at a high rate of speed and crossed the intersection just as the traffic light changed.” John Chaney, was charged with manslaughter.
Patrolman Mlakar was survived by his wife, Mary, and son, Roy Robert, two sisters, Mathilda Kessler and Emma Tesar, and a brother, William.