The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our Fallen Officers on the anniversary of their End of Watch.
Appointed to the Cleveland Police Department in February 1921, Peter Fromm was assigned to the 3rd District.
Patrolman Fromm sustained a cut on his hand while arresting Louis Enis, an intoxicated man running amuck and wielding an open knife. Enis’ friend Marion Pierce attempted to obstruct the officer and prevent Enis’ arrest. In the ensuing battle with the prisoners, the patrolman was felled with his own mace, which had been wrested from his injured hand. While Fromm was prostrated by the blow, Pierce seized the patrolman’s revolver from his pocket and fired several shots at him. One bullet lodged in the groin. Both prisoners escaped.
Two days later, they were arrested and charged with shooting to kill. Enis was also charged with cutting to wound. Both were convicted and sent to the Ohio State Reformatory at Mansfield.
Peter Fromm, son of John & Fredericka and husband of the late Hattie (nee Ogilvie), passed away on Friday, February 13, 1925. His funeral was held at Disciple Church in Perry, Ohio, with interment in Perry.
Because more than a year and a day had elapsed from the time of the shooting, the charge of murder could not be made under the laws of the state.
