Trooper Gross was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Ashland, OH. A truck driver had noticed a car driving erratically and contacted the police via CB.
During the stop Trooper Gross was shot once in his left arm. As he attempted to take cover he slipped on the wet pavement and fell to the ground. The suspect shot him in the back as he lay on the ground. The round entered below his vest and travelled upwards through his torso.
Other truckers who witnessed the shooting used their CB radios to notify authorities of the incident. The suspect was apprehended when he crashed into an embankment following a 29-mile chase. The ensuing investigation determined that the suspect had previously shot his mother in the foot.
The suspect was initially sentenced to death. In 2005 his death sentence was commuted to life.
Trooper Gross had served with the agency for 2 years.
NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Trooper James R. Gross of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio and the additional 57 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.