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Friday, 24 January 2020 07:42

Patrolman Robert L. Osborne

Written by
Patrolman Robert L. Osborne

Patrolman Robert L. Osborne

8 May 1930

As if losing a brother officer isn't bad enough we are once again victims of the media's total disrespect for police officers. How insensitive could anyone be to use the phrase, "Drops Dead" on his beat... Do they not know this was someones son, husband, brother, uncle or dad, and for them to pick up a paper and read something so heartless at what would obviously be a hard time in any family. Patrolman Osborn was just 38 years old at the time of his death.

7 May 1930 we lost our Brother, Patrolman Robert L Osborne of Baltimore Police Department's Western District. Osborne was a member of the force for approximately 11 years found himself in the 400 Blk of S Paca St when he started feeling ill, this was a time before radios so he found his way to the rear of 409 S Paca St the home of William Lenderg. Mr Lendberg could see the officer was in need of medical assistance so he contacted the district and they sent police and an ambulance to transport the Officer to a local hospital where he succumbed to his illness. He had a brother on the force Patrolman Allen Osborne who was assigned to the Northwestern District at the time of his brothers death. Officers assigned to the western District at the time told investigators that he had not complained of illness at the start of his shift. 

We don't know why he died at such a young age, I know the article says he was 250 pounds, but I was 250 pound for a bit when I was on he force, and I was still active, still making chases, and making arrests. In fact i didn't slow down or get seriously hurt until I lost the weight. We didn't know if he caused his heart attack from a call prior to this in which he may have had to struggle, or if this call was out of his area, he was assigned to an area between Green, Pratt, Eutaw and Barre Streets he may have been off post backing someone up, or coming from one end of his post to the other. What we do know is he came into work alive, he was breathing with a heartbeat and no apparent signs of sickness. So while we are not sure what caused his heart to fail bringing about his death, we do know he was our brother, and having died while working wearing the uniform of a Baltimore Police Officer he and his sacrifice should be remembered.  His family deserves closure for their loss and we should take a minute to remember him on the date of his falling 7 May 1930

May he Rest in Peace

The Baltimore Sun Thu May 8 1930 Robert Osborne 72Click HERE or on the above pic to open full size file

 

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The Baltimore Sun Tue Feb 13 1923 72

Click HERE or on the above pic to open full size file

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The Baltimore Sun Tue Dec 27 1921 Osborne 72Click HERE or on the above pic to open full size file

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More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 7 May 1930
City, St. 409 S. Paca St.
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death Heart Attack
District Worked Western

 

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Friday, 24 January 2020 07:13

Officer Harold J. Carey

Written by
Officer Harold J. Carey

Officer Harold J. Carey

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

11 January 1998

Baltimore Sun Article Dated 11/01/1998 [Officer Harold Carey died on 30 October 1998]- A Baltimore police officer’s urgent call for help led to tragedy yesterday morning when a police van and a cruiser collided at a midtown intersection, killing an officer and injuring two others, one of them seriously. Officer Harold J. Carey, a 28-year old Douglass High School graduate who studied engineering before joining the force six years ago, was killed instantly in the crash that sent his police van skidding on its side and into a wall of a senior citizens high-rise. The crushed van landed on top of a parked Chevrolet Monte Carlo, injuring its owner, who was sitting in the driver’s seat. It took firefighters an hour to extricate Carey and van’s driver, Officer Keith Owens, who suffered injuries to his head and spine. The officers were on the way to help a fellow officer who was struggling with a man on North Charles Street. Officer Carey was described by Lieutenant J. A. Chianca Jr. as a “very, very good officer” who “really cared for the people in the community.” Officer Carey was awarded a Bronze Star in 1993 for shooting a man armed with a .357 caliber Magnum handgun.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 30 October, 1998
City, St. City, St.
Panel Number 5-E: 21
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Central
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Friday, 24 January 2020 06:59

Officer Craig Chandler

Written by
Officer Craig Chandler

Officer Craig Chandler

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On this day 9 January 2015 we lost our Brother Police Officer Craig Chandler to injuries stemming from an auto accident that occurred on 23 November 2014, in the area of Bonaparte Ave. in East Baltimore while in pursuit of a suspect on a Scooter that was fleeing arrest:

In an article by Ian Duncan and Colin Campbell The Baltimore Sun January 10, 2015, it describes the events as follows - Initially signs of Officer Craig Chandler's passing were released through a series of cryptic messages released through Tweets, and Facebook pages like this Tweet from the Baltimore Police Department that was tweeted on Saturday 10 January 2015;

"We will always remember Officer Craig Chandler #EOW - 1/9/15 due to injuries in a LOD car accident. #BPDNeverForget," 

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Baltimore Sun further reported

Baltimore Police Officer Craig Chandler has died as a result of injuries sustained in a crash during a pursuit Nov. 23, the Police Department.

Detective Ruganzu Howard said Chandler died Friday evening. Chandler and a female officer were injured when the patrol car they were riding in struck a telephone pole while pursuing a motor scooter that had picked up a man fleeing a gathering of dirt bike riders, police said at the time. Police commanders had tried to call the pursuit off just before the accident, that has also left the moped driver, Deonta Winston, hospitalized. It is unclear if the driver or passengers of the patrol heard the order to end the pursuit. Police charged Winston, 22, with multiple traffic violations. Winston could not be reached late Saturday.

The crash in the 2200 block of Kirk Ave. in East Baltimore left an officer "fighting for his life" police said in the November Sun article. Neither Officer Chandler nor the female officer were identified at the time, but on Christmas Eve the police union said it was Chandler, and that he was in stable condition at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Officer Chandler had been with the Police Department since 2008, according to city records.

"We are very saddened by loss of BPD Officer Craig Chandler on 1/9/15," the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 3, the city's police union, tweeted Saturday night 10 January 2015.

"Succumbed to injuries from a LOD MVA [a Line-Of-Duty - Motor Vehicle Accident]. We will never forget our Brother!"

A police union representative could not be reached for comment. City Councilman Brandon Scott, who said he knew Officer Chandler personally, also posted about the officer's death on Twitter.

"Rest in Peace Officer Chandler," Scott wrote. "You will suffer no longer. It has been a pleasure knowing you and watching you serve."

The driver of the patrol car involved in the accident, Brandon Bolt, was treated and released. Bolt, who had been with the department since 2013, was suspended with pay at the time. He could not be reached for comment late Saturday.

Baltimore police must get permission from a shift commander to pursue vehicles they are chasing. Police said that a Sergeant told the three officers to discontinue the chase, but seconds later the officers called for paramedics. Police did not say why the three officers were riding together in a single vehicle, nor did they say for sure if they have confirmation about the officers receiving the cease to pursue instruction. From personal experience, especially with multiple units in the same car; while in pursuit often a member of the pursuit vehicle is calling out directions of the suspect vehicle, while the mike is opened to give these descriptions, thereby making it impossible for the officers in the unit to hear commands to cease pursuit.

The last Baltimore police officer to die in the line of duty was Forrest E. "Dino" Taylor, who succumbed in late August 2012 to injuries sustained in an accident in February of that year as he was driving to aid a fellow officer. Taylor was a 17-year veteran of the force.

As we take this time to remember him, and thank him for his service and sacrifice. We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. God Bless and Rest in Peace

 

 

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Baltimore Police Officer Dies of Injuries from November Crash

Baltimore police are investigating an accident involving officers and a suspect in the area of Bonaparte Avenue in East Baltimore. (Maggie Ybarra/Special to the Baltimore Sun)

By Ian Duncan and Colin Campbell The Baltimore Sun

Baltimore police officer involved in November crash dies

Baltimore police officer Craig Chandler has died as a result of injuries sustained in a crash during a pursuit Nov. 23, the Police Department said Saturday evening.

"We will always remember Officer Craig Chandler #EOW [end of watch] 1/9/15 due to injuries in a LOD [line of duty] car accident. #BPDNeverForget," the Baltimore police tweeted Saturday evening. Detective Ruganzu Howard said Chandler died Friday evening.

Police identify officer driving in departmental crash

Chandler and a female officer were injured when the patrol car they were riding in struck a telephone pole while pursuing a moped that had picked up a man fleeing a gathering of dirt bike riders, police said at the time.

Police commanders had tried to call off the pursuit before the accident, which also left the moped driver, Deonta Winston, hospitalized. Police charged Winston, 22, with multiple traffic violations. Winston could not be reached late Saturday.

The crash in the 2200 block of Kirk Ave. in East Baltimore left an officer "fighting for his life" police said in November. Chandler was not identified at the time, but on Christmas Eve the police union said it was Chandler and that he was in stable condition at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

Chandler had been with the Police Department since 2008, according to city records.

"We are very saddened by loss of BPD Officer Craig Chandler on 1/9/15," the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 3, the city's police union, tweeted Saturday night. "Succumbed to injuries from LOD MVA [a line-of-duty motor vehicle accident]. We will never forget our Brother!"

A police union representative could not be reached for comment.

City Councilman Brandon Scott, who said he knew Chandler personally, also posted about the officer's death on Twitter. "Rest in Peace Chandler," he wrote. "You suffer no longer. Pleasure to have known you and watch you serve."

The driver of the patrol car involved in the accident, Brandon Bolt, was treated and released. Bolt, who had been with the department since 2013, was suspended with pay at the time. He could not be reached for comment late Saturday.

Baltimore police must get permission from a shift commander to pursue vehicles they are chasing. Police said that a sergeant told the three officers to discontinue the chase, but moments later the officers called for paramedics. Police did not say why the three officers were riding together in a single vehicle.

The last Baltimore police officer to die in the line of duty was Forrest E. "Dino" Taylor, who succumbed in late August 2012 to injuries sustained in an accident in February of that year as he was driving to aid a fellow officer. Taylor was a 17-year veteran of the force.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Copyright © 2015, The Baltimore Sun


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FOP: Baltimore City officer dead from injuries obtained in November car accident

WMAR Staff

7:38 PM, Jan 10, 2015

3 hours ago

Copyright 2015 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DiMarco, Nick

The Baltimore City police officer who was seriously injured in a November car accident has died from his injuries, according to the Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police's Twitter account.

The crash happened midday November 23 when Officer Craig Chandler, a Baltimore City police officer, was driving on the 2200 block of Kirk Avenue.  A moped driver veered in front of Chandler's vehicle trying to make a right turn, causing the police car to crash with the bike.

At the time of the crash, Deputy Commissioner Jerry Rodriguez said, "One of our officers, at this moment, is fighting for his life at Shock Trauma."  

In a tweet Saturday night, the Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police said, "We are very saddened by loss of BPD Officer Craig Chandler on 1\9\15. Succumbed to injuries from LOD MVA. We will never forget our Brother!"

Police are expected to formally announce his passing at a press conference Sunday at noon.

Copyright 2014 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

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Baltimore police officer dies of injuries from November crash

Baltimore police are investigating an accident involving officers and a suspect in the area of Bonaparte Avenue in East Baltimore. (Maggie Ybarra/Special to the Baltimore Sun / October 26, 2012)

By Ian Duncan and Colin Campbell The Baltimore Sun

10:20 p.m. EST, January 10, 2015

Baltimore police officer Craig Chandler has died as a result of injuries sustained in a crash during a pursuit Nov. 23, the Police Department said Saturday evening.

"We will always remember Officer Craig Chandler #EOW [end of watch] 1/9/15 due to injuries in a LOD [line of duty] car accident. #BPDNeverForget," the Baltimore police tweeted Saturday evening.

Detective Ruganzu Howard said Chandler died Friday evening.

Chandler and a female officer were injured when the patrol car they were riding in struck a telephone pole while pursuing a moped that had picked up a man fleeing a gathering of dirt bike riders, police said at the time.

Police commanders had tried to call off the pursuit before the accident, which also left the moped driver, Deonta Winston, hospitalized. Police charged Winston, 22, with multiple traffic violations. Winston could not be reached late Saturday.

The crash in the 2200 block of Kirk Ave. in East Baltimore left an officer "fighting for his life" police said in November. Chandler was not identified at the time, but on Christmas Eve the police union said it was Chandler and that he was in stable condition at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

Chandler had been with the Police Department since 2008, according to city records.

"We are very saddened by loss of BPD Officer Craig Chandler on 1/9/15," the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 3, the city's police union, tweeted Saturday night. "Succumbed to injuries from LOD MVA [a line-of-duty motor vehicle accident]. We will never forget our Brother!"

A police union representative could not be reached for comment.

City Councilman Brandon Scott, who said he knew Chandler personally, also posted about the officer's death on Twitter. "Rest in Peace Chandler," he wrote. "You suffer no longer. Pleasure to have known you and watch you serve."

The driver of the patrol car involved in the accident, Brandon Bolt, was treated and released. Bolt, who had been with the department since 2013, was suspended with pay at the time. He could not be reached for comment late Saturday.

Baltimore police must get permission from a shift commander to pursue vehicles they are chasing. Police said that a sergeant told the three officers to discontinue the chase, but moments later the officers called for paramedics. Police did not say why the three officers were riding together in a single vehicle.

The last Baltimore police officer to die in the line of duty was Forrest E. "Dino" Taylor, who succumbed in late August 2012 to injuries sustained in an accident in February of that year as he was driving to aid a fellow officer. Taylor was a 17-year veteran of the force.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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Baltimore Police Department
242 W. 29th St., Baltimore, MD.
Emergencies: 9-1-1  Non-emergencies: 410-396-2037
BALTIMORE POLICE Web Site: http://www.baltimorepolice.org 

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Again please contact Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll if you have pictures of you, your family, or other members of the Baltimore Police Department and wish to see them remembered here on this tribute site. We are anxious to honor the fine men and women who have served this fine police department. Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll can be reached at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Like us on Facebook, or contact us for a mailing address 

Copyright © 2002 Baltimore City Police History - Ret Det Kenny Driscoll




 

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 9 January, 2015
City, St. Baltimore, Md
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Eastern
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Friday, 24 January 2020 06:49

Det. Troy Lamont Chesley Sr.

Written by
Det. Troy Lamont Chesley Sr.

Det. Troy Lamont Chesley Sr.

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

On this day in Baltimore Police History, 9 January 2007 we lost our Brother, Det. Troy Lamont Chesley Sr. to Gunfire based on the following:  

A 13-year-veteran of the Baltimore Police Department was shot to death as he walked up to his girlfriend's home in Northwest Baltimore early this morning, shortly after he got off work. Det. Troy Lamont Chesley Sr., 34, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at Sinai Hospital, police officials said. He was shot by one or more gunmen who approached him as he walked in the 5400 block of Fairfax Road, a quiet residential street in the city's West Forest Park neighborhood. The shooting came amid a spate of slayings -- 10 in the first nine days of the new year. Troy was laid to eternal rest January 16, 2007

Suspect In Killing Has Long Record ; Man, 21, Charged With Police Officer's Slaying Has Been Arrested Often, Convicted Several Times

Gus G. Sentementes / Annie Linskey

Jan 10, 2007

A 21-year-old man with at least 17 arrests on his criminal record was charged yesterday with first-degree murder in the killing of an off-duty Baltimore police officer during an apparent robbery attempt outside the officer's girlfriend's home in Northwest Baltimore. The suspect, Brandon Grimes, was being held under police guard at a city hospital, recovering from a leg wound that police said was sustained during an early-morning gunbattle with Detective Troy Lamont Chesley Sr., 34, who was struck several times and died at Sinai Hospital. Police said Grimes escaped in the chaotic moments after the 1:20 a.m. shooting on a quiet street in West Forest Park that left cars and houses pockmarked by bullets. Detectives closed in on the suspect after they learned someone had been admitted to St. Agnes Hospital with a gunshot injury. Police said they recovered key evidence, including a handgun and blood from the scene that did not belong to the officer.

The day - in which the city's homicide total for this year rose to 13 - left Baltimore officers grieving and frustrated over Grimes' extensive record of arrests. Despite several convictions, he had not spent significant time in prison. Col. Fred H. Bealefeld III, chief of detectives, noted that Grimes had been arrested twice within the past year for handgun violations; court records show those cases are pending. "This is the third gun Brandon Grimes has had in his possession in less than a year," Bealefeld said. "We took two of them away from him. It's extraordinary, to say the least. This is the sort of mayhem and craziness we see all too often." Police Commissioner Leonard D. Hamm said that officials who participate in the city's Criminal Justice Coordinating Council - a group of elected officials, law enforcement agency representatives and others - "need to start getting serious about getting people off the street." Hamm said Grimes' 17 arrests occurred over the past 3 1/2 years. "I think that what has to happen is that the city of Baltimore has to get fed up, because we are fed up," he said. Asked about the city's stubborn homicide rate, the commissioner said: "When this pager goes off at night telling me someone's been killed in this city, I die a little bit. Everybody dies a little bit." The officer's death highlighted another pervasive problem that city police have struggled with over the past year: robberies. In 2006, according to preliminary figures through mid-December, the city saw a roughly 8 percent spike in robberies - an increase that mirrored a troubling national trend. Chesley was attacked in the 4500 block of Fairfax Road, outside his girlfriend's house. Less than two months ago, and two blocks away, Andre Alexander, 21, was killed in front of his house by someone who shot him about 1:25 a.m. and then ran away. Police officials said yesterday that they are looking at that case - which remains open - to see if there are any similarities to yesterday's shooting, which left residents once again stunned. Kelly Lloyd, a neighbor who lives in the block, said she heard nine or 10 gunshots in what is a usually quiet neighborhood. "I was shocked," she said. "I thought it was firecrackers. They shot a lot of times." Chesley, who was in plain clothes and not wearing body armor, was pronounced dead soon after his arrival at Sinai, police said. Police said they believe that the suspect, after getting shot in the lower leg, limped away from the scene and was taken to St. Agnes Hospital by other unidentified people in a minivan. His condition was not available. Police said it was too early to determine whether other people would be charged in the slaying. Chesley, a Baltimore native, joined the Police Department in 1993. He served in the Western and Northwestern districts, and later in tactical and organized crime units. Most recently, he worked in the department's public housing section, doing undercover drug investigations in the some of the city's most dangerous neighborhoods.

Relatives of Chesley Declined to Comment.

Law enforcement officials yesterday scrambled to understand and explain Grimes' extensive and convoluted criminal record. The city state's attorney's office released a timeline that showed Grimes pleading guilty to car theft in February 2004 and receiving a 10- year sentence. But that sentence was almost entirely suspended, and Grimes was put on probation. A separate hearing last May on his violating an earlier probation led a city judge to sentence Grimes to four concurrent sentences of six months; after Grimes served that sentence, his case was closed and his probation was terminated by a judge, court records show, though the reason for that disposition could not be determined yesterday. A handwritten letter that Grimes wrote to the judge before the sentencing indicated that he has a young son and had been working toward a high school graduate equivalency diploma. He asked the judge for leniency, because his son needed him in his life. "I'm writing this letter to you to ask for Mercy on the Court," Grimes wrote in the letter, full of grammatical errors. "I know a lot of choices I made in my life wasn't the right ones. But I had to realize I'm not just living for myself any more. I have a 6 mouth old son that need me in his life and I can't be there for him if I die or in jail." In March and April last year, Grimes was arrested and charged with separate handgun violations. Grimes posted bail for the March case, which is pending trial. For the April arrest, the state's attorney's office argued for bail of $500,000 bail, but a District Court commissioner reportedly reduced his bail to $100,000. That case was postponed at least twice and scheduled for trial today. A prosecutor argued in a court document that "Mr. Grimes' continuing insistence on illegally carrying handguns indicates the danger he poses to the citizens of Baltimore city, requiring the highest possible bail," according to the form. In that same document, a prosecutor stated that Grimes had been previously found guilty of obliterating the serial number of a handgun. Other charges last year included second-degree assault and reckless endangerment in June, which were dismissed by prosecutors for unspecified reasons, and two separate arrests for drugs and burglary in November, court records show. Grimes also had an extensive criminal record as a juvenile. At age 12, in 1997, Grimes was charged with making a bomb threat. That same year, he would also be arrested as a juvenile and charged with extortion, second-degree assault and a pyrotechnic violation, according to a law enforcement source with knowledge of his juvenile record. From 1999 to 2001, he was arrested four times in car-theft cases, the source said. The attack on Chesley was the latest in a string of dangerous assaults against on- and off-duty Baltimore police officers over the past year. Last month, Officer Momodu Gondo was shot and injured in North Baltimore in an apparent robbery attempt. Police made an arrest in that case. In November, Sgt. Christopher Nyberg shot two of four people who tried to rob him as he walked toward his home in Federal Hill. Police said Nyberg was held up at knifepoint. In September, Officer Robert G. Cirello was shot while patrolling Patterson Park, and police credited his body armor with saving his life. And in March, Officer Dante Hemingway was shot in the neck, chest and stomach in Westport when, on his lunch break, he visited a woman he had met and was shot by a man recruited by the woman's jealous lover. The last officer to die in the line of duty was Officer Anthony A. Byrd, 31, an 11-year veteran. Byrd was killed in May in a collision with another officer, Raymond E. Cook Jr., who was speeding in his police cruiser. Byrd was survived by a wife and two young daughters. Paul M. Blair Jr., president of the city's Fraternal Order of Police union, said that an officer has been assigned to assist Chesley's family, and the union will help relatives with funeral arrangements. He said Chesley's death will be considered a "line of duty" fatality because he drew his weapon and badge. "It's bad enough we're targeted at work," Blair said, "but now it's so bad that you can't even go home safely at night." Lt. Melvin Russell, who was Chesley's boss for years in the close- knit narcotics unit in the public housing section, addressed Chesley's colleagues in the unit yesterday morning. "I told them to keep a careful eye on each other," he said. "As police officers, we tend to hold things inside. I reminded them that we're human beings first ... and to try not to go through this by themselves."

As his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department we will not let him be forgotten, His service Honored the City of Baltimore, and the Baltimore Police Department may he rest in peace, and may God bless him.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 9 January, 2007
City, St. City, St.
Panel Number 8-W: 26
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Public Housing
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Friday, 24 January 2020 06:28

Detective Sergeant Joseph F. Carroll

Written by
Detective Sergeant Joseph F. Carroll

Detective Sergeant Joseph F. Carroll

On this day in Baltimore Police History 1928, we lost our Brother Detective Sergeant Joseph F. Carroll to gunfire based on the following; On 19 Nov 1928 Captain John Carey night commander of police detective unit, received word that a man answering the description of a man wanted in New York for armed robberies and the shooting of a New York City Police Officer was in a Baltimore Street Hotel. Three detectives were detailed to go to the location and bring the suspect in; Captain Carey told them to bring the suspect to police headquarters for questioning. The detectives did a turn-up at the location, and found the person that was being reported, but after brief conversations felt he could not be the suspect wanted, by the NYPD. Captain Carey said he told the three officers that were sent earlier about the dangers of this suspect and let them know he was to be considered as a dangerous and desperate character. While the Detectives didn’t think the subject, they received a tip on was their suspect they still brought him in for questioning where they cleared him and released him a short time after his interview.   

Later the same morning Detective Sergeant Joseph F. Carroll received a phoned in tip of a suspect at a downtown hotel, he didn’t have any info on the suspect, what he was wanted for, or even that three Detectives had already gone out on this call. All he had was that police where there earlier looking for a suspect, and that the suspect was there now. Det. Sgt. Carroll left; he was unaware that it was guys out of his own unit/division that went out on the first call. We don’t know who phoned in the tip(s), it may have been the person police brought in, and then released, or a hotel employee; we’ll never know. Likewise, we’ll never know why, Detective Sergeant Carroll didn’t investigate it any further, or didn’t take a back-up Detective or Patrolman with him. He just took the name the caller gave him, grabbed a set of keys, and went alone. This might seem odd, but having been on the job, I know there are plenty of times when a detective may end up going out on his or her own. Following leads often must be done when it comes in and can even send partners in opposite directions. Detective Sergeant Carroll now at the hotel located the suspect and arrested him. The two proceeded from the hotel to as far as Fayette Street and the Fallsway when the suspect realizing his window was closing, time was running out and he pulled his pistol, and demanded that Detective Sergeant Carroll put his hands up. Detective Sergeant Elmer O’Grady and others, that happened to have been looking out the window, or were called to the attention of the window from their offices, that is right this was happening right outside police headquarters building, Officers and Detectives were running to assist Det. Sgt Joseph Carroll, only to be met by the gunman’s hail of fire. Det. Sgt. Joseph F. Carroll died a few minutes after being taken to the hospital. O’Grady and others were reported as doing well.

Several things that should be known about the Baltimore Police 1928,

1st - We didn’t cuff people in public,

2nd - We didn’t search people in public, nor did we stand by and watch as other searched people in public.

To that the Police Commissioner Charles Gaither read the following from the rule book to the media:

“Members of the force shall not search, or act as witness to the searching of any person in any place other than the station house, or headquarters, unless such search be made for dangerous or deadly weapons suspected to be upon the person of the prisoner.”

In this case Det. Sgt. Joseph F. Carroll had no info on the suspect and was within the rules of the Baltimore Police Department. It is because of cases like this, that we have the rules we have today, cases like this, that allows us to cuff people that are only suspected of a crime. And cases like this that let us search incident to arrest. This happened in 1928, things were so different, without radios on every shoulder, or hip like today, information wasn’t as freely distributed as it is today.

As his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department we will not let him be forgotten, His service Honored the City of Baltimore, and the Baltimore Police Department may he rest in peace, and may God bless him.

The suspect in this case also died of his injuries, but not before admitting to police that he was the suspect wanted in New York for robberies and Shootings, of two police officers in the NYPD

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Baltimore Sun 21 Nov 1928 Carroll Joe 72Click HERE or on the Above Newspaper Pic to see full size article

 

As his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department we will not let him be forgotten, His service Honored the City of Baltimore, and the Baltimore Police Department may he Rest in Peace, and may God bless him.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 19 November, 1928
City, St. Fayette Street, and Fallsway
Panel Number 30-E: 7
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Criminal Investigation Division
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Friday, 24 January 2020 06:15

Patrolman Patrick J Coniffee

Written by
Patrolman Patrick J Coniffee

Patrolman Patrick J Coniffee

18 May 1925

Patrolman Patrick J Coniffee of the Central District died Monday night at St. Joseph Hospital, an inquest will be held tomorrow night [19 May 1925] by Dr. J.S.H. Potter, Coroner for the Northeast District. The patrolman was struck Sunday night by a streetcar and received a fractured skull. 

David E Miles 811 South Calhoun St. Motorman of the car was arrested and later released to appear at the investigation. Patrolman Patrick J Coniffee Central District was injured serious the last night when he was struck by a streetcar at Fleet Street and Patterson Park Avenue. He was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital where it is thought he is suffering from a fractured skull and possible internal injuries. He is 44 years old and lives at 720 Mura St. - The policeman was crossing the street when he was struck by a car about 11 PM the motorman of the car was David Miles 311 South Calhoun St. and the conductor was Frank Walter 800 block of Scott Street. A mealy after the accident the car was stopped and the motorman and conductor picked up the injured man. He was taken to the hospital in the automobile of William Longe 600 block S. Bond St. - Coniffee has been on the Baltimore police force since June 1913 and prior to this time he was a special officer for the railroad company. - He was struck while working his beat. David Miles was the motorman of the car. - 3 November 1934 – Patrolman John Stapf, a patrolman was killed by a trolley car and two children were injured one fatal, but automobiles yesterday;

THE DEAD ARE
Patrolman John Stapf, 63 of Northwest district who lived in the 5100 block of Elmer Avenue

Clifton Himmel, eight years old son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Himmel of the 2600 block of Hamilton Avenue

INJURED CHILD IS
Daniel Knott, 5, of the 1500 block of E. Pratt St. at Johns Hopkins hospital suffering from a possible fractured skull

FRACTURED SKULL
Patrolman staff was killed almost instantly when struck by streetcar yesterday afternoon on North Avenue under the Western Maryland railway bridge. Witnesses said the officer ran in front of a standing eastbound car and into the path of a car going in the opposite direction. Radio cars were dispatched to the scene and took him to the West Baltimore General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead of a compound skull fracture.

JUST RELIEVED OF DUTY IN
Shortly before the accident patrolman staff John Smith and Edward Burns was standing at a police call box at that point. They had just been relieved of duty. Smith and Burns boarded the eastbound car, which was in charge of by Harry Phobos motorman staff ran in front of his car. Phobos said, and was struck by the other trolley. The impact threw him against the standing car.

TECHNICAL CHARGE PLACED  (*9)

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NameDescription
End of Watch 18 May 1925
City, St. Fleet Street and Patterson Park Avenue
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Central
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Friday, 24 January 2020 06:08

Patrolman Frank L. Latham

Written by
Patrolman Frank L. Latham

Patrolman Frank L. Latham

On this day in Baltimore Police History (2 March 1924), we lost our Brother, Patrolman Frank L. Latham to gunfire based on the following from the Baltimore Sun 3 March 1924: Headline - Patrolman Latham Dies from Wounds  - Policeman Shot by Man in House Succumbs to Johns Hopkins Hospital

Schmidt Sought as Killer
Harry Worth, who took Officer to Residents in Automobile Tells of Shooting - Patrolman Frank Latham, shot while on duty Friday night, died yesterday morning 2 March 1924  - police and detectives working on the case were roused by the news to a great figure in the search for the killer. Miss Ethel last him the murdered patrolman’s wife, and Mrs. Sophia Latham his mother, were at his bedside at Johns Hopkins hospital when the end came. The night before doctors had pronounced the patient out of danger, following a blood transfusion from motorcycle patrolman Lewis Zulauf. An internal hemorrhage of the wound near the heart set in early yesterday. Patrolman lath him lapsed into a coma and died without regaining consciousness. Informed of her husband’s death, Miss Latham fainted. Latham’s mother, who was ill herself, was present against her physician's advice seemed stunned.


Alleged a Murderer Sought
The murder, police say is Leon Schmidt five of 11 South Collington Ave. no trace of him has been found. It was believed that first that he had escaped in his automobile. Lieut. Michael Ward and Sgt. Charles Davis located the machinery yesterday at the garage of CW Weller at 2016 E. Madison Avenue Weller according to the police said Schmidt had left the machine there a few days before the shooting to be repaired.

Friday night about an hour after the shooting, Weller said Smith came to the garage and tried to get his car. At that time he was dressed in a ragged coat and Weller was uncertain whether he wore a hat or cap. Smith, Weller said appeared excited.

Harry worth, of 418 North Gay St. went to the Eastern police station yesterday and identified himself as the man who drove lath them and Smith’s home on the night of the shooting. He told police he will come forward sooner, but did not think his statement was of importance. He was told he would be one of the most important witnesses in the prosecution of Schmidt when he is caught and charged with the shooting.


Gives account of shooting
worth gave an account of the shooting as follows “I was approached Friday night at Patterson Park Avenue and Baltimore Street by a policeman who asked me to drive him to five of 11 South Collington Ave. He said there was some trouble there.”

“We went to the side alley and up the back stairs. With the aid of his light, the patrolman’s searched in the front room and then the back room but found nothing.”


Tells of four shots
“in the middle room, the man stepped out as the policeman opened the door. The officer told him he was wanted” “you don’t want me the man said and with these words the door was partly closed. I heard four successive shots and then another and then someone said “you would’ve done the same for May” I did not have a pistol or a light and I’d groped my way down the stairs and out front.”

An inquest will be held at 9 o’clock tonight at the Northeast police station by Dr. J. AIDS. S. Potter coroner.

Detectives asserted farms 
A party of four headquarters detectives armed with riot guns and wearing bulletproof vests left Baltimore in automobile yesterday morning for Wilmington Delaware on information that Schmidt was hiding on a farm near there. Those who made up the party were detectives Robert Bradley, Frederick Carol, Charles

Birmingham, and Frank Coleman

Failing to find any trace of Schmidt in or near Wilmington, the party went to Hillsboro Caroline County where they searched in the form of Alexander Kurtinski. They returned last night empty-handed after a trip of more than 375 miles

May he never be forgotten

 "His service "Honored" the City of Baltimore and the Police Department"

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 2 March, 1924
City, St. 2016 E. Madison Avenue
Panel Number 6-E: 3
Cause of Death Gunfire
District Worked Eastern
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Friday, 24 January 2020 06:01

Patrolman John Christopher

Written by
Patrolman John Christopher

Patrolman John Christopher

On this day in Baltimore Police History, 18 August 1872 we lost our brother, Patrolman John Christopher. To gunfire based on the following:

Patrolman Christopher was lost to gunfire. It started out as a cloud of dust being thrown up by two young wagon men as they raced their team's neck and neck down a dirt road near Catonsville’s Railway Park. The drivers cursing their horses, and one another in a race where friendly competition quickly ended as both James Ford, and James Dorsey cracking the reins from their wagons into their animal’s necks, and backs in order to gain speed. Each struggled more and more to go faster, each had nothing more in mind than to win that race, and to try to overtake the other. The race had begun at, “Kelly’s Woods” in Catonsville, and was nearing the City/County line near Western District. It was in that park, near the old Western, that the two men stopped, and an argument ensued. The two young men argued like they raced, they were loud, and each wanted nothing more than to win. They each wanted that win so much so, that their actions drew the attention of Baltimore City Patrolman, John Christopher. As Patrolman Christopher neared Ford and Dorsey; they began to physically fight, each throwing blow, after blow at the other. Baltimore Police have not changed much in the 141 years since this incident; police were strong, often relying on the use of brute strength to overcome the situations they find themselves in. On this particular day in 1872, things were not much different, Patrolmen Christopher single-handedly separated the two combatants, and forced them back into their wagons and on their way. To keep the peace, Patrolman Christopher climbed into James Ford’s wagon with him and rode with him toward his destination with efforts to maintain peace.

Despite Patrolman Christopher’s best efforts, the two drivers resumed their argument which escalated quickly into a fight. Dorsey began throwing stones at Ford and warned him that if he bumped into his wagon again, he would shoot him. The fisticuffs resumed, and Dorsey started to live up to his promise of shooting Ford as he pulled a pistol. Patrolman

Christopher saw the weapon, and once again gained control over the more violent of the men by forcefully throwing him from his wagon to the ground. That momentary separation was lost when Ford dove onto Dorsey and went for his gun. Before Patrolman Christopher could regain control over either of the men the pistol was fired once. Even while Dorsey’s anger was focused on Ford, the bullet left his weapon and found its way into the stomach of Officer Christopher, causing severe pain, and what would become a fatal injury. Patrolman Christopher felt the burn in his stomach as he fell to the ground.

Our Brother Patrolman John Christopher was quickly taken to the house of “Justice Pilot” where he was treated by “Dr. Worsham”. “Justice Pilot”, and “John Young”, responded to the scene of the shooting where they were able to apprehend, and arrest both, “James Dorsey” and “James Ford”. Patrolman Christopher made a positive ID, and was taken to his home located at, 14 South Fremont St. where he was cared for by, “Prof. J. H. Butler”. His injuries were painful and they were fatal, leaving the medical professionals in a place where no matter what they could have done they were unable to save his life. Patrolman Christopher lay in pain from the night of the shooting on 18 Aug, until the day he passed away on 23, Aug. 1872 at approx. 3:30 in the afternoon.

As his brothers and sisters, of the Baltimore Police Department it is up to us to make sure he is never forgotten. For his service honored the City of Baltimore and Baltimore Police Department. May God be with him, so that he may rest in peace.

#‎BPDNeverForget‬

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 18 August 1872
City, St. City/County line near Western’s District
Panel Number 21-W: 10
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Western
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Friday, 24 January 2020 05:54

Patrolman Joseph C. Clarke

Written by
Patrolman Joseph C. Clarke

On this day in Baltimore Police History 1871 (22 May 1871) We lost our brother Patrolman Joseph Clark to gunfire based on the following: 

24 May 1871


Patrolman Joseph C. Clarke

The wonton and cold-blooded shooting of Patrolman Joseph C. Clarke on Monday night (22 May 1871) by Frederick M Kusey as detailed in the Monday night May 23rd Sun-Paper yesterday gave rise to considerable feelings during the day in the community. The body of the deceased was at an early hour removed to his late residence number 172 is for Avenue Policeman Clark was a very worthy citizen, and a good officer. He leaves as before stated a wife, and nine children as well as his grandchildren. The alleged murder Frederick M. Kusey said to belong to Philadelphia was arrested about 6 AM yesterday by policeman Bradley, McGuire and Chew and on the warrant of Coroner Spacer was committed to jail to wait the selection of the grand jury Kusey is a young man about 23 years of age rather spare, and about 5’8” in height. It appeared that on Monday night after committing the deed to see escaped from the premise number 28 Center St. by a gate leading out to Holliday Street without his hat. He first went to the labor house By Voechell on the corner of Franklin and North Streets where he procured a hat, and about midnight when all the spare men of the police force were searching for him, he appeared at that lighter beer saloon of Mr. Johnson under the mansion house corner of St. Paul and Fayette Streets and asked for and obtained a drink. He here said that he had gotten himself into a scrape, that he had shot a policeman, and then displayed the pistol with which he alleged the shooting was done he then complained of being tired and having no money he borrowed $.50 with which to pay for a bed at the mansion house. Mr. Johnson had not learned of the murder, and was disposed not to believe Kusey, to see but early hour yesterday morning on reading the account of the affair in the Sun he at once gave information to Policeman Bradley, who calling to his assistance acquire and chew proceeded to the room of Kusey and arrested him as he was about leaving the bed.

The accused made no resistance. He had in his possession a cold seven shooter, three chambers on which had been discharged and three were still loaded. The four female witnesses against the accused were Annie Lawrence alias Chenoweth, Molly Rogers, Sally Cain and Lizzie Shirley, were also committed to jail by corner Spicer but for the latter being in delicate health was sent to Washington University hospital. Corner Spicer held a postmortem examination of the body of policeman Clark yesterday previous to the removal from Mr. Weavers. He found that the ball which had entered the mouth of the deceased had buried itself in the left jawbone, the second ball penetrated the left breast pass through the long and out the back cutting the spinal ulterior and causing instant death from internal hemorrhage. The other ball passed through his hat grazing in his head.

Kusey is a bartender and has been employed in several public houses in the city. After his committal to jail and in fact from being the time of his arrest he said nothing as to the motive that led to the commission of this fearful crime with which he stands charge except when questioned by Capt. Mitchell of the middle district who asked the prisoner when induced him to slay the policeman Kusey  then answered, “I don’t know what I must have been drinking or crazy.” Capt. Mitchell replied “your subsequent conduct did not indicate that you are either drunk or crazy.” The prisoner answered, “then I wish it had been myself that I had shot.”

From conversations with the four women witnesses, as well as from the testimony before the corner, the concise of Mount of the murder is made Annie Lawrence alias John Willis is the keeper of the house number 23 Center St. and Frederick M Casey lives there that is the Shirley, Sally Cain and Molly Rogers were roommates of the house the accused have given the ladies much trouble by demanding money from her when intoxicated, about three weeks since C caused his arrest and committal to jail in order to avoid his annoyance. On Monday night he again became troublesome in his demands for money, and was so threatening that she ordered Sally who had charge of the bar to close it would she did taking the money from the tour with her and locking it herself in her room Mrs. Lawrence then went out the back gate to look for an officer.  Kusey followed her and locking her out he then ran out to the light and went to her bedroom on the second floor and when she returned with policeman Clark and on knocking was let in by one of the girls, everything was dark on getting upstairs she proposed to get a light when Clark told her he had a match on going into the room Kusey was found standing with his boots and hat off clerk told him to put his boot one as he must go with him Kusey replied with an raids when he was again told he must go Kusey Casey then told Lizzie Shelley to go downstairs for his hat. When he’s soon thereafter fired two shots the third as she was going up the steps with the hat the three women made their escape the murdered man fell to the floor of the steps and Kusey then went up to the room of the female bartender and demanded whatever money she had which she had locked up in her trunk and refused to give him the key Kusey then ran downstairs over the body of Clark made his escape and was arrested as above stated. All the witnesses concur in the statement that Kusey had a great antipathy to all who wore the police uniform and invariably calling them “speckled ones”.

The house number 23 Center St. in which the tragedy occurred is a three-story brick the lower floor being used as a barroom it is in position of the police authorities a policeman being stationed on the premise day and night numbers of morbid curiosity hunters visited the spot yesterday, but no one was permitted to enter the premises except officers. Msgr. Fusselbaugh, car and Morris of the police commissioners and Mr. M Boswell, their clerk work early at the scene of the murder, and during the entire night worked with the police and looking up the perpetrator. It was at first suggested that the murder had escaped to the top of the home and Mr. Carr obtained a ladder made a personal examination of the roof the police authorities were greatly aided by Mr. John W Davie Esq. late police Commissioner. Who subsequently acted as foreman of the coroner’s jury. Marshal gray and deputy Marshall free were also very active during the night as in fact were all officers and men to the middle district the funeral of policeman Clark takes place at 3 PM today and will be attended by the police board and all of the police force that can be spared from duty the deceased was a strict member of the Roman Catholic Church

While he is no longer with us, we his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. RIP Brother

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 22 May, 1871
City, St. 28 Center St.
Panel Number 47-E: 14
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Central
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Wednesday, 22 January 2020 03:55

Watchman George Workner

Written by
Watchman George Workner

Watchman George Workner

On this day in Baltimore Police History 1808 we lost our brother Night Watchman George Workner – Ofc. Workner was stabbed to death during a jail break of nine inmates from the Baltimore Jail. The inmates made a set of keys and picked the locks to their cell doors. Then they attacked the guards with a small knife one of the inmates had obtained. Watchman Workner was stabbed in the side during the escape and died from the wound the following day. Four of the nine inmates were apprehended and sentenced to death for Watchman Workner's murder. Their execution date was set for April 22, 1808, but they again attempted to escape two days beforehand. That escape attempt failed and they were hung in the jail's courtyard at noon on April 22, 1808

We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten – RIP Officer George Workner

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 15 March, 1808
City, St. Baltimore Jail
Panel Number 33-W: 24
Cause of Death Knife
District Worked Central
Published in Fallen Heroes
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