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Fallen Heroes (191)

Fallen Heroes

Wednesday, 22 January 2020 02:17

Patrolman John T Lloyd

Written by
Patrolman John T Lloyd

On this day in Baltimore police history 1889 we lost our Brother Patrolman John T Lloyd to gunfire based on the following:

On 4 July, 1889 while clearing a corner, Officer Lloyd was attacked by four men, one of which shot him three times at close range, so close in fact that the muzzle flash set the officers jacket on fire. Shot three times, and severely beaten, Patrolman Lloyd managed not only to survive for several hours, and to give a deposition as to what happened, but he held onto one of his attackers, “the suspect that shot him”, until back-up had arrived.Baltimore Sun newspaper article - dated 5 July 1889 entitled "Shot Down on Duty"


Shot Down On Duty
Another Victim of Violence
Patrolman John T Lloyd Killed
5 July 1889

Samuel Cooper arrested one charge of murder – four men accused of being accessories – the police Commissioner and State's Attorney Kurt ask the Governor to request Attorney General Whyte to assist in the prosecution

The present year has been a remarkable one for the Baltimore on account of the unusual number of deaths by violence that have occurred. The latest victim was patrolman John T Lloyd of the Southern district, who was shot about 1:30 o’clock yesterday 4 July, 1889 morning at the Northeast corner of light and West Street.

Complaint had been made at the Southern District Police Station of men loafing and disturbing the peace at that corner, Patrolman Lloyd have been ordered to give it his attention. A crowd of men were there, and when the patrolman ordered them to keep quiet and they did not obey him he attempted to arrest one of the number. Resistance was made to this action, and he was shot in addition to being roughly handled. The patrolman’s clothing was set on fire by the shots, which indicated that the assailant stood close to him at the time.

Samuel Cooper, Edward Doyle, James Reynolds, James Toole, and Thomas H Hudson were arrested in connection with the shooting. Cooper is charged with being the man who fired the shots and the others are accused of being accessories. They were committed to jail by Justice Donovan for a hearing at 3 o’clock next Monday afternoon. The police are also looking for other men were supposed to have been connected with the assault.


WHERE THE BULLETS ENTERED
Patrolman Lloyd was carried into the drugstore on the corner and afterword ran over to his home for 18 Conway St. in a patrol wagon. He was attended to by Dr. George a Strauss and Dr. John E Blake who found that he had been shot twice. One of the bullets entered his abdomen about 2 inches and a half to the right of the Naval and ranged downward. The second bullet passed straight through the thigh. Dr. George a Strauss says that in addition to these there was a glancing well in the abdomen in close proximity to the first welcomed. The doctor says the wounds in the abdomen both had a downward course. The best, certain and undershirt were burned, which clearly indicates the shots were fired at close range. The doctor recovered in the clothing of the wounded patrolman a bullet of 38 caliber, which was the one that caused the glancing wound spoken of. Death was caused by shock and internal hemorrhage.

LLOYDS DEPOSITION
Lieut. Bruchey and Justice Donovan awakened, who took the patrolman’s deposition, as follows:
“In patrolling my beat I went up to Light Street to West Street, and I found Samuel Cooper and three or four other standing on the corner. I said to Cooper, “do not make so much noise; the proprietor of the drugstore will come down and complain.” Cooper replied, “what are you talking about?” And without any further provocation, pulled out a pistol and fired three shots. Then he and Ed Doyle whom I recognized, and two or three others whom I did not recognize, jumped on me.”

VISITING THE SALOONS
Patrolman knocks all party of young men visiting the saloons in the neighborhood of the shooting, and about 1:15 Saul them come out of Wiesner’s saloon, one cross street. The men showed that they had been drinking, but were not acting in such a manner as to justify their arrest. They walked down light Street toward West and the patrolman went in an opposite direction, and had gotten to the corner of light and Hamburg when he heard the shots.


ARRESTED BY SGT. CHAILOU
Sgt. Chailou was standing at the corner of light and cross streets, when he heard for shots. He ran to the corner of light West streets, and was the first officer to arrive on the scene. The Sgt. saw two men struggling on the ground and pulling the top man off, when he recognized him as Cooper. He did not recognize the under man as patrolman Lloyd at first. Cooper said to the Sgt., “Let me go; I’ve not done anything.” The patrolman said, “I am shot,” and pointed out Cooper as the man who would shot him, whereupon Cooper was arrested.

PICKING UP THE OTHERS
Patrolman Ludwig was standing at the corner of light and Hamburg streets and heard for shots. He ran to the scene and saw Sgt. Chailou with Cooper under arrest and help to take the prisoner to the patrol box. The officers then carried the world of patrolman into the drugstore. In response to inquiry from patrolman Ludwig as to who had shot him, patrolman Lloyd said Cooper had done it. The officers afterwards arrested Edward Doyle and James Reynolds. The two men were in the crowd when the officers arrived. Bread walked away when Cooper was arrested. They were caught several blocks away. Tool and Hudson were arrested later in the day, being known as to of the crowd that had traveled around that night. It will be noticed that the patrolman say they heard for shots.

WHAT MR. STRAUSS SAW
William Strauss jeweler 1128 Light St., was looking out his window when the shooting occurred. He heard the patrolman warned the men, and says that when the first shot was fired he saw one man, whom he believed it to be Cooper, run into the middle of the street, followed by the officer, who explained, “I am shot!” Another shot was fired, and patrolman fell to the ground, when the third shot was fired. Three or four men then jumped on the patrolman, who had hold of one of the men. Mr. Strauss was hastening to the assistance of the patrolman Lloyd when the other officers arrived.


SOMETHING GLISTENED
James that Nancy, and ice cream dealer on cross street, near light Street, was detained late at his place of business on the night of the third on account of fourth of July orders. He says: “about 1:30 o’clock I was standing at the corner of light and cross street talking to patrolman Lamb. I heard four distinct shots, and we birth hurried to the scene. I sold the two men struggling on the ground. I heard Cooper say, “Christ I did not suit that man.” At the same time I saw Cooper hand something that glistened to one of the men standing near him. The man was standing on the opposite side of Sgt. Chailou, but I cannot say what it was Cooper handed him. I saw patrolman Lloyd lying in the gutter, and assisted to carry him into the drugstore and afterword to put him into the patrol wagon. The waistband of his trouser was on fire.” After the shooting the officer searched diligently for the pistol. The iron gutter plates were taken up in every and corner examined, but the weapon was not found.



DEATH OF THE VICTIM
The world of patrolman lay in great agony all day. He was attended by doctors George a Strauss and John E Blake Fielder cook and W. H. Smith. Ropes were stretched across the street and a guard of police were stationed at the house to prevent intrusion. Lloyd died at 840 o’clock in the evening, having never recovered from the shock of the worms. Coroner Benson was notified, and will have a postmortem examination made this morning. The inquest will be held Sunday at the southern police station. The interment of the body of the deceased patrolman will be on Sunday.

Patrolman Lloyd was 30 years of age and unmarried. He was a native of Baltimore, and the nephew of William J Lloyd of Lloyd’s hotel, and of Edward Lloyd of the Peabody house. His father was John Lloyd contractor and Miller. He resided with his parents. He was appointed to the police force as a probationer 24 August, 1888, and was promoted to be a regular officer one to November of the same year. Previous to his appointment on the police force he was a truck driver and also worked with his father for a time.



SKETCH OF COOPER
Samuel Cooper the accused is about 30 years of age and an engineer. He was born in Baltimore ended with his widowed mother and two unmarried sisters at 1257 William St. He comes of a respectable family and has a good reputation in the neighborhood. About three years ago he was employed in the United States customs service in Baltimore. He was first when United States customs launch search as watchmen and afterwards as firemen, being employed for two years in these positions. He then secured a situation on a baseline steamer Carolina as engineer in charge of the electric lights. He left this position about three months ago. Since which time he has been unemployed. The father of the accused, Henry Cooper, was a ship carpenter. His uncle John Durr, is chief engineer of the steamer Carolina. He also has a married brother, George Cooper, the on light Street. Mrs. Cooper was prostrated by the shock when she heard of the charge made against her son, and was unable to leave her bed.

The men who are charged with being accessories to the killing are all young. Their occupations and residences are as follows Edward Doyle is a machinist and lives in 1468 William St. James Reynolds is a candle maker living at 1237 Durst alley. James tool is a brush maker and the 1524 Johnson St. Thomas H Hudson is a labor and lives at 1213 Wall Street. None of them would make a statement in regard to the shooting. While they are all known to the police, none of them have ever been arrested except for minor offenses. Doyle was sent to jail for 10 days some time ago for assaulting a patrolman, this being the most serious charge against any of them.

PROMPT ACTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS
The police commissioners held a special session to discuss the shooting of patrolman Lloyd. After the consultation with states attorney to her the following letter was sent to Gov. Jackson

“Sir: after consultation with the state’s attorney we believe, owing to the frequency of late of murders in this city, especially the brutal character of the attempt to murder John T Lloyd, of the police force which looks at this moment as if it would result fatally, that it is our duty to call your attention to this deplorable condition of affairs, said that in connection with the states officers of the city such prompt and effective measures may be adopted as that speedy punishment may be met out to this class of offenders against the laws of our state, thereby deterring others from the perpetration of like offenses. “One of the difficulties in the speedy trial and prompt punishment of the offenders is the right to remove their cases from the jurisdiction of the court of Baltimore city, thereby causing delay and further making it necessary to bring into the prosecution of the case those not familiar with the conception, as the states attorneys of Baltimore city is not always able to assist in the trial at the court to which the case may be removed.

“Believing, therefore that it will greatly promote and assist in the prom presentation and trial of such case to have some representation of the state connected to them from their inception to their finish, no matter in what court of the state they may be tried, we think we are justified in suggesting to you that the attorney general of the state be requested to assist the states officer of Baltimore in the prosecution of the case against the assailants of officer John T Lloyd this letter was signed by E. M. Shriver, John Q. A. Robson, John Gill Junior, who the police commissioners.


STATES ATTORNEY TO THE GOVERNOR
States attorney her wrote the following to the governor: “my dear Gov. – the shooting of policeman Lloyd last night has aroused feeling of dairy just indignation on the part of all good citizens of Baltimore, and the prompt trial and punishment of the offenders is demanded by every consideration of the peace and good order of this community by looking to send this case out of jurisdiction situation with the board of police commissioners and I join with them in the clearest request that you will at once officially asked the Atty. Gen. to give me the benefit of his assistance in the prosecution of the case referred to.” In the afternoon Marshall Fray and Mr. John Gill one of the commissioners, visit Lloyd and found him in a prostrate condition.


RECORD OF POLICEMAN KILLED
Since the organization of the present Metropolitan police force three policeman and one detectives have been killed while in the discharge of their duty. Policeman Murphy of the Western district was arresting a man named daring on the Fourth of July when he was struck on the head by the prisoners brother was a Billy the officer took his man to the station house with the officer laid down upon a bench and died. Daring serving a term in the penitentiary. Policeman John Christopher of the Western district was accidentally killed while resting to colored men on a picnic on Frederick Avenue. Detective Richardson was killed on Franklin Street between you tall and Pat the Street while attempting to arrest a man.

Patrolman Clark of the middle District was killed about 15 years ago in the performance of his duty he was standing on the corner of holiday and center Street one night when the cries of murder issued from a house of ill repute. The officer ran to the house and was told that a woman was being beaten. He went upstairs to the woman’s room, and when he reached the top floor he was shot dead. A man named Thomas Cusack was arrested for that murder patrolman Clark was the father of Lidia Cole about home Logue was shot last Wednesday.

Under the old Police Department to noticeable cases occurred when policeman were killed. They were patrolman Benjamin been Robert M Rigdon. Those martyrs took place in the old “plug ugly” days man was killed in the Western part of the city by a set of roughs, and for his testimony at trial of man accused of killing Rigdon was threatens and murdered. Harry Gambrill, Marian Cropps and Peter Corrie were hanged for these murders, at the same time James Stephens, aliasCephas was hanged for the murder of William Chang, Keller did. It is stated that 39,000 persons witnessed the hanging, which took place one 8 April 1859.


11 DEATHS FROM VIOLENCE
Since the first of last January 11 persons have lost their lives in the city by violence. The following is the last of the persons against whom charges of murder have been brought, with the names of the victims:

8 January –Kunigunda Betz, murder of Margaret Schueider, her employer. Owing to the dedicated condition of the accused the case has not yet been tried.
12 January – George S Pembroke, colored, murdered of young Edward Lampson by shooting. The case was transmitted to the circuit court for Baltimore County, the jury rendering a verdict of murder in the first degree a motion for a new trial was granted, whereupon Pembroke pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree and was sentenced to 15 years in the penitentiary
15 January – Danny Williams, Keller did, infanticide. Found guilty of manslaughter, with recommendation to mercy, and sentenced to six months in jail.
28 January – William E Johnson, Keller did, murder of James E. Lee, Keller did, by stabbing him at Ford’s opera house. This case was also removed the Baltimore County court. A verdict of manslaughter was rendered. The accused being sent to the penitentiary.
22 February – James Duffy, murder of Jane Harris by throwing a lighted coal oil lamp at her. He was declared not guilty.
1 March – Thomas Heiman – murder of Josh will Evans by shooting in a saloon on W. Fayette St. At the trial in Baltimore the jury disagreed, whereupon the case was removed to the Carroll County court. At the second trial Heiman was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to three years in the penitentiary
16 March – William Shannon – murder of any are no alias Blanche Gray. By cutting her with a knife. This case has not yet been tried
26 May – Michael J McMahon, George W McCubbin and Benjamin a Steinman, murder of James T Kirby by shooting. The case is pending
16 June – Oliver Hinds, murder of James E Hotze – by hitting him in the left temple with a brick. Hinds was presented by the grand jury last week.
27 June – William W. Christopher, who is charged with killing Charles P Logue by shooting him with a pistol.

We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. God Bless and rest in Peace. His service "Honored" the City of Baltimore and the Police Department - RIP Officer Lloyd


More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 4 July, 1889
City, St. Light Street and West Street
Panel Number 16-E: 5
Cause of Death Gunfire
District Worked Southern
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Tuesday, 21 January 2020 21:48

Patrolman James Lennon

Written by
Patrolman James Lennon

Patrolman James Lennon

22 Nov 1935

Patrolman Lennon Dies; Was on the force for 30 years

Turnkey at Northeastern Station Suffered Heart Attack Thursday

Patrolman James P Lennon, member of Baltimore Police Department for 30 years and a Turnkey at the Northern District Police Station for the last fourteen years died early yesterday after a brief illness

Patrolman Lennon's death followed a heart attack he suffered Thursday at 4pm while reporting for duty at his assigned station house. He was 62 Years old.

Survivors including his widow, Mrs. Mary M Lennon; two sons, Corp. James A Lennon, of the United States Marine Corps, and Harry P. Lennon, and a daughter, Miss Regina Lennon.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 22 Nov 1935
City, St. City, St.
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death Heart Attack
District Worked Northeastern
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Tuesday, 21 January 2020 21:33

Officer Richard J Lear

Written by
Officer Richard J Lear

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Shortly after 11:00 p.m. on October 8, 1985, alarms were sounding at several locations in the 5300 block of York Road. A marked police vehicle responded and so did Officer Lear. To get to the scene, Officer Lear had to cross several lanes of York Road. As he crossed, he was struck by a northbound vehicle traveling well above the posted speed limit. The driver never stopped. Doctors at Sinai Hospital pronounced him dead just before midnight. Miles away in Baltimore County, Police stopped a vehicle which they saw was being driven in an erratic manner. The operator was arrested. A short time later, a civilian who knew of the traffic accident, which killed Officer Lear, spotted the car in a parking lot and notified authorities that, in turn, called Baltimore Police Accident Investigators to the scene. The automobile was transported to the Headquarters Building for processing. As a result of the investigation, charges of Automobile Manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident, driving while intoxicated and excessive speed were filed against a 29-year-old Baltimore resident. Officer Richard Lear was a veteran of 31 years on the department.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch October 8, 1985
City, St. York Road
Panel Number 20-E: 15
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Northern
 
 

 

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Tuesday, 21 January 2020 20:44

Turnkey John J. Lanahan

Written by
Turnkey John J. Lanahan

Turnkey John J. Lanahan

On this day in Baltimore Police History 3 July 1919 we lost our Brother - Police  Officer John J. Lanahan to gunfire based on the following:

BURGLAR KILLS TURNKEY

Newspapers of the times reported on; 4 July 1919; pg. 14

Turnkey John J. Lanahan, 57 years old, of the Central Police Station, whose home is at 2028 Robb St. Northeast Baltimore, was shot to death at 8:55 o'clock yesterday morning [3 July 1919] by Frank Wozniak, 31 years old, an unnaturalized Russian pole, who the night before burglarized the office of the American railway express Company's office at Sudbrook, on the Western Maryland Railroad.


The murder of Turnkey Lannahan happened before the eyes of Lieut. W. F. Klinefelter and patrolman Crass and Traupe had taken Wozniak to the Police Station for examination as to his possession of watches and jewelry. Which he was trying to dispose of to a Harrison Street secondhand dealer.


Two shots were fired by the Pole, one entering Turnkey Lanahan's breast and the other going through the open window of a petition and lodging into a plastered wall of the signal operator's office.


Headquarters Detective J. F. Dougherty, of the homicide squad, in making an investigation after the shooting, obtained information indicating that Wozniak fired the shots with the idea of affecting his escape after realizing that imprisonment was unavoidable.


Slayer admits Robberies

The Pole was questioned yesterday afternoon by Capt. A. L. League, of the Central District, and he admitted that for several weeks he had gone out on thieving expeditions.

He confessed that he went to the Sudbrook Station Wednesday night, broke into the office and rifled express packages, seeking money and or jewelry. He made his escape with two boxes containing watches and when he attempted to sell the watches yesterday Patrolman Crass arrested him. Crass did not call for the patrol wagon, and as the prisoner offered no resistance he walked him to the police station.

Wozniak was before the desk in the usual manner and there was nothing in his attitude to indicate that he contemplated either escape or attack. He gave his name, age, and the address of 1637 Eastern Ave. He said later, however, that he had not lived at the Eastern Avenue address for several weeks and his statement was verified by police of the Eastern district.

Lieut. Kleinfelder called turnkey Lannahan, and in his usual jovial, sympathetic manner Lannahan approached the prisoner.

"Come, my boy, that's me see what you've got," said the turnkey as he raised Wozniak's hand and started to feel the pockets of his coat. At this juncture patrolman crass was standing a few feet from the prisoner and Patrolman Ttraupe was standing at the entrance to the core door leading to the lockup. Patrolman Kerns and Kelly, housemen, were behind the desk and Capt. League was at his desk.


Backs away and fires

As Turnkey Lannahan raised his hands Wozniak backed away a pace, drew a pistol from his right hip pocket and fired two shots. One bullet struck the turnkey and the other the wall. Crass and Troupe pounced upon Wozniak and Capt. League withdrew a pistol, ran from his desk. The prisoner was beaten into helplessness and was dragged away. His arms were held by four policemen.

The pistol was taken from his hand and a second weapon was taken from his pocket. 20 bullets were found in another pocket. The central ambulance was on a call, but no time was lost getting turnkey Lannahan to mercy hospital. Policemen carried him to the automobile of Frank H. Cook, 318 North Charles St., and Mr. cook sped to mercy hospital. Dr. Eustace H. Allen, of the surgical staff, pronounced turnkey Lannahan dead. The bullet penetrated his heart, causing internal hemorrhage.

Had it not been for the manner in which Wozniak was overpowered by patrolman troupe and Crass, the murderer of the turnkey would have been shot by Capt. League. The prisoner was badly mauled and he was taken to Mercy hospital to have his injuries attended. After being returned to the police station he was questioned.


Statement made by Paul

"I am a native of Wienstow, Russian Poland, and I have no relatives in this country," was told Capt. League, "I came here in 1914 and landed at New York, where I lived for several months, later I went to Cumberland Maryland and I have worked on farms in Western Maryland. I came to Baltimore two years ago but never had any regular home here. I used to stop at the home of a friend on Eastern Avenue, near Broadway, I am a member of no organization and I have never taken out any form of naturalization papers. I can't say why I shot the man and don't know why I pulled the pistol from my pocket."

Jewelry was found in Wozniak's pocket and he admitted that he had robbed homes in the neighborhood of back River. He also said that he formally was employed at a South Baltimore shipbuilding plant. Questioned about the burglary at Sudbrook station by the postal inspector Brill, Wozniak said that he went to the station Wednesday night and entered the place by breaking open a window. He got to boxes of watches, consigned by a New York firm to Robert Corbett and son at Pikesville.

Marshall Carter and members of the police board were shocked when they heard of the murder of turnkey Lannahan. Gen. Riggs and police Commissioner E. F. Burke are cognizant of the work required of a turnkey because of their visits to the police stations at night. Gen. Riggs often has witnessed the difficulties experienced by turnkeys and footmen of patrols in the handling of prisoners.

Turnkey Lannahan was regarded as one of the most efficient turnkeys in the department. He was known particularly because of his kindness consideration for prisoners, and he always tried to cheer them and make things as easy as possible for them while in his custody. He was appointed to the department 19 years ago. He had been one of the alternating turnkeys at the central police station for seven years. He is survived by his widow Mrs. Mary Lannahan: two sons, who are in the armed forces of the United States, and two daughters.

States attorney Harry W nice, coroner W. T. Reilly of the Central District, an assistant state's attorney Siegel conducted the inquest held at the central police station last night. The witnesses included Lieut. W. F. Kleinfelder, Patrolman Crass, troupe, turns and Kelly all of the central district, and Dr. H. J. Mauled perform postmortem examination. He told the jury that the bullet caused internal hemorrhaging and that it struck the turnkey's heart and left lung.

The jury, of which John A. McDivitt, was foreman, found that "turnkey Jay. Jay. Lanahan came to his death on 3 July 1919 at 9 AM from a gunshot wound at the hand of Frank Wozniak." Comments were prepared and Wozniak was committed to jail pending his trial in the criminal court. Wozniak was brought before the jury, but he said, "he was in no condition to make a statement."

Because of the seriousness of the crime states attorney nice declared that the case would be set for trial early in September and that no delay would interfere.

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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 July 3, 1919
City, St. Central District, Cell Block
Panel Number 25-E: 1
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Central
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Tuesday, 21 January 2020 20:40

Officer Johnny LaGrone

Written by
Officer Johnny LaGrone

Officer Johnny LaGrone

Officer Johnny LaGrone

Accidental Death... Off-Duty Officer Shot and Killed Accidentally June 28, 1984,  Officer Johnny LaGrone, Southwestern District, tragically lost his life due to gunshot wounds he received while off duty on June 28. Officer LaGrone, a 2-year veteran, was in the process of moving from his residence when an 8-year-old child obtained possession of his service revolver and shot him with it. Even though responding officers and Fire Department Medical Technicians did everything possible to aid the stricken officer, he died a short time later at the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services.

Reported in the Baltimore Sun
29 June 1984

Officer Is Shot to Death; Boy, 8, Is Questioned

An off-duty Baltimore Police Officer was fatally shot yesterday [28 June 1984] while at a friend’s apartment in Southwest Baltimore, City Police reported.

After an eight – hour search, police located an 8-year-old boy believed by investigators to be the only person in the apartment when Officer Johnny L. LaGrone, Junior, 37, was shot once in the chest, said Officer Arlene Jenkins, a City Police Spokeswoman.

The boy, who was found walking alone on Liberty Heights Avenue in West Baltimore about 11 PM, had been sought since the time of the shooting. He was taken to Police Headquarters for questioning. Officer LaGrone was shot with his service revolver about 2:44 PM while at an apartment in the 2200 block of Tucker Lane, but he was able to call the police to say that he had been injured, Officer Jenkins said.

Officer LaGrone, who joined the force two and a half years earlier, died about 4 PM at the Shock Trauma Unit at University Hospital.

Details of The Shooting Were Sketchy Last Night, But Officer Jenkins Gave This Account:

Shortly after 2:30 PM, a neighbor told police she heard the sound of gunfire, after which a young boy ran from the apartment of the officer’s friend. Also, LaGrone followed the youngster but collapsed in front of the apartment building.

Officer LaGrone’s a service revolver was found in the grass outside the apartment, Officer Jenkins said.

According to investigators, the officers friend – the mother of the boy who ran from the apartment – was at work at the time of the shooting.

The Woman, Contacted by Police, Agreed To Help Locate Her Son.

Officer LaGrone was assigned to the Southwestern District. He had been scheduled to work the 4 PM to midnight shift yesterday, Officer Jenkins said.

In March of the same year, Officer LaGrone, shot and killed a man while off-duty, as the Officer tried to break up a fight on Interstate 95 in the Arbutus section of Baltimore County.

According to Baltimore County police as, Officer LaGrone was on his way home from work he saw several men fighting alongside the highway, the Officer stopped his car and tried to stop the fight. One of the men lunged at the officer with a knife, cutting the patrolman on his left wrist. Then, Officer LaGrone told police, he drew his revolver and fired several warning shots. At this point the knife wielding man kept coming at the officer, who said he fired several shots again which struck the motorist, County police said. Officer LaGrone was not charged in the incident.

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This is the UNOFFICIAL History Site of the Baltimore Police Department. It depicts the history of the department as was originally conceived of, and told by Retired Officer, William M. Hackley. Sadly Officer Hackley passed away on 15 March 2012 leaving his site to Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll. It took a month or so to take full responsibility for the site and its content. The thoughts and use of certain items, terms, sounds, and implications are not necessarily those that would be agreed upon by the Baltimore Police Department, as an official Governmental Agency. Likewise, we do not seek their permission or approval to post the things we post, and as such, nothing in these pages should be held against them.

The intent of this site is more than just to tell our history, to have everyone remember our Injured, and Fallen Heroes, those who in the performance of their duties were called upon to make the Ultimate Sacrifice.

So as you surf these pages, you will see the Baltimore Police Department from its infancy, showing the crude methods of policing in the 1700's, through to the 1800's and become the modern highly efficient department that it has become today.

Enjoy the site for what it is, a rendition of the proud history of one of this country’s finest Police Departments, one for which those of us who have worked it, are proud of, and honored to have served. The many men and women that still proudly serve, and those that someday will serve.

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Any request for official police information should first be made directly to:

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 

Devider color with motto

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 June 28, 1984
City, St. 2200 block of Tucker Lane
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Officer's Handgun
District Worked Southwestern
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Tuesday, 21 January 2020 20:37

Officer Robert Kuhn

Written by
Officer Robert Kuhn

On this day 1965 we lost our Brother Officer Robert Kuhn to gunfire based on the following:

On July 22, 1965 at the intersection of North Avenue and Ellamont Street, Officer Robert Kuhn observed a car double parked. He approached the vehicle and found it empty. As he looked inside the car, a suspect approached him from behind. The suspect shot Kuhn six times with a pistol. The suspect than took Officer Kuhn service revolver from his holster and shot him six more times. Police eventually killed the suspect. Investigation revealed that the suspect had narcotics inside of his vehicle. Officer Kuhn served in the U.S. Marine Corps from September 24, 1962 to March 23, 1963. He was active in the Marine Corps Reserves until the time of his death.

For more information we have pulled the following two news articles from the time of this incident

2 KILLINGS LAID
TO DAVID COOPER
Kuhn's, Nephew's Deaths
Charged After Meeting
By George J. Hiltner

David Cooper, 45, of the 2900 block Westwood Avenue, was charged by police yesterday with shooting and killing Western District Patrolman Robert H Kuhn, early Thursday morning (22 July 1965) Six other charges, including the shooting and killing of William Cooper, his 29 year old nephew, also were placed against Cooper. All were marked “Abated by death” since the accused man also died after police arrested him for the spree. The charges included three assaults on his arresting officers, Patrolman John Hess, James Griffin and Robert Powell: one charge of possessing marijuana, and one charge of possessing three deadly weapons, .22 and .38 caliber pistols, and a blackjack.

Decided at Conference
The decision to institute charges against the elder Mr. Cooper and to accuse no one in connection with his death was made yesterday in a high-level conference attended by Charles E. Moylan. State's attorney, Capt. Wade Poole, of the Western District; Lt. Anton Glover, of the homicide squad, and Sgt. Hobert Lewis, also of homicide. Mr. Moylan stated that he also conferred with Dr. Charles S. Petty, assistant medical examiner for Maryland. The Slate's attorney complimented the Police Department for the "superlative job that had been done in piecing together the

Narrative of what occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday. “Mr. Moylan then said: “it appears incomprehensible that David Cooper shot officer: at least five times in the body, thereby causing his death. “Three pellets were recovered from the body of Officer Kuhn and a total of 15 gunshot wounds were found on his body. The attack was clearly unprovoked as Officer Kuhn was simply making a car check for double parking and a 3100 block of W. North Ave. “It also appears that David Cooper was responsible for the death of his nephew, William Cooper. Some minutes after shooting Officer Kuhn, the elder Cooper shot the nephew three times in the right temple with a .22 caliber revolver thereby causing his death. This revolver was recovered on Cooper at the time of his arrest. No charges will be placed against anyone for the death of David Cooper himself. Dr. Petty found Cooper to be suffering from advanced case of heart disease showing both an enlarged heart and significant clogging of the arteries. “The cardiac condition was such that any excessive strain might have well brought on the heart attack.

Cooper had himself extreme exertions of energy in the shooting of the officer, the apparent struggle with his nephew, his later violent resistance to the arrest on the street in the 1600 block of St. Stephen Street, in the cruising patrol going to Lutheran hospital and in the Lutheran hospital itself where he had to be physically restrained at the request of the doctors. “Cooper also was suffering from two gunshot wounds, one in the left elbow and one in the right ankle. It appeared that the gunshot wound inflicted by his own .22 caliber revolver during the struggle between him and his nephew which resulted in the nephew’s death. “At no time did any police officer in the case even drawl, let alone use his service revolver.

Blood on the blackjack “there were also superficial abrasions about Cooper’s head, some of which were certainly caused when the officers had to restrain him as he struggled to reach obtain possession of his .22 caliber revolver and some of which may have been inflicted by his nephew who had a homemade blackjack accessible to him, which was found on the rear seat of Cooper’s automobile. “It should be pointed out that when the officers first approached David Cooper on St. Stephen’s Street they noticed that he already has blood on his head and shirt and the blood was also found on the blackjack in the automobile. “At any rate, the abrasions were a very minor contributing factor at most since the autopsy showed no skull fracture of any sort and no blood clotting at all in the area of the brain.”

Ballistics Report 
Mr. Moylan further explained that the uncle in his first contact with patrolman Kuhn use another weapon, a 38 caliber pistol. And emptied it into the body of the police victim. Then he used a 22 caliber revolver to fire at the nephew and it was this weapon with which he himself was shot during the struggle with the younger relative, the State’s attorney said. This reconstruction of events is borne out by the finding of police ballistics expert yesterday that the 38 caliber bullets recovered from the body of patrolman Kuhn were fired from the weapon which David Cooper abandoned in the car. Ballistics findings also verified the bullets taken from the body of William Cooper were fired from a 22 caliber gun.

David Cooper Due Charge of Murder
Chief Inspector says only change in facts or alter plans -
The Police Department’s chief inspectors said last night that, barring new developments, the department expects to charge David Cooper with the murders of patrolman Robert Henry Kuhn and William Cooper early yesterday morning.
David Cooper died at 3:05 AM yesterday. Two hours after the shooting of the 23-year-old policeman and the discovery of William Cooper’s body slumped in the back seat of a car a few blocks away.
George J Murphy the chief inspector said he felt the facts that have been gathered so far in the case suggests David Cooper was responsible for the two shootings.

Await Ballistic Reports
He said that if no new facts come in late, the department expects to police murder charges against the elder Cooper. A definite decision on the charge could not be made yesterday. Because the results of the ballistics and fingerprint test essential to the investigation will not be available until today. The charge, if made, will be academic in any case. In technical language, it will be ABATED by the death of the defendant

Inspector Murphy statement came at an end of the day of intensive investigation of the shooting of patrolman Kuhn and it to death that followed it. Investigation was hampered by the fact that there were no direct eyewitnesses accounting of any of the three shootings and that all of the principles are dead.

Scene Reconstructed
however as new facts dribbled in investigating officers gradually built up a convincing picture of the scene that resulted in the shooting of patrolman Kuhn of the 3300 block of Glen arm Avenue. Police felt certain the patrolman Kuhn was shot to death with a 22 caliber revolver by David Cooper 45, of the 2900 block of Westwood Avenue. After the officer stopped him in the 3100 block of W. North Ave. about 1:15 AM for a parking violation of routine check. A few minutes later, police theorized, David Cooper shot and killed his 29-year-old nephew, William R Cooper of the 2300 block of Norfolk Street. When the younger man refused to cooperate with his uncle.

David Cooper was arrested by police less than a half-hour after the shootings. He died at Lutheran hospital at 3:05 AM following a struggle with policeman in a patrol car.

15 Bullet Holes in Body
Dr. Charles S Petit Junior assistant medical examiner, said yesterday afternoon that David Cooper died of a severe heart condition combined with the several injuries he had received. Dr. Petty said patrolman Kuhn died of gunshot wounds. He said 322 caliber bullets were found in his body, and that there were 15 bullet holes in his body. William Cooper died of bullet wounds in the head caused by 322 caliber bullets. Dr. Petty said that the bullets that killed patrolman Kuhn might have come from the same gun with which William Cooper was shot but of that he could not be certain.
Only one witness, firefighter Carlos a Down’s of the firehouse on North Avenue observed a part of the scene.

Six Or Eight Shots
He told police that he was sitting at the desk in the firehouse when he heard a shot, got up and went to the door. About 90 feet away on the south side of North Avenue he saw a man pointing a gun at the sidewalk in front of him Mr. Downs told police. He then heard six or eight shots in rapid succession. He said he thought at the time that the man was drunk and just shooting. Mr. Downs said at first he did not see what the man was shooting at. He said he saw the man with the gun get into the black and white convertible and driving east on North Avenue. Mr. Downs said the patrolman Kuhn’s gun was still in his holster as he lay on the ground. He said the officer was still alive when he got to him, “moaning” and “bleeding real bad.”

Found Car And Body
a police dragnet was thrown around the area, and a patrol car a few minutes later found William Cooper laying in the back seat of a black and white convertible in the 1600 block of St. Stephen Street. Searching the car, police found a 38 caliber automatic and a handmade blackjack. A few minutes later, officers in another patrol car apprehended David Cooper, who was running in the 2000 Block Pressbury St. the officers report they saw blood on his hand and certain when they arrested him.

He will forever be missed, but never forgotten by us his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department.. God Bless and Rest in Peace.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 22 July, 1965
City, St. North Avenue and Ellamont Street
Panel Number 28-E: 11
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Officer's Handgun
District Worked Western
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Tuesday, 21 January 2020 20:33

Officer Edward J. Kowalewski

Written by
Officer Edward J. Kowalewski

On this day in Baltimore Police History 1962 we lost our brother Police Officer Edward J. Kowalewski to Gunfire based on the following:

While attempting to assist a cab driver who was being robbed, Patrolman Kowalewski was shot and killed, he became the third Baltimore City Police Officer to be killed in 1962 -

The Following Sun Paper Article best tells the events of 2 July, 1962

Suspect to be Charged
In Slaying of Policeman
July 3, 1962
Police said last night (2 July, 1962) they will charge a suspect today in connection with the slaying of a city policeman who was shot when he attempted to help a wounded cab driver at North Avenue and Charles street yesterday. The dead officer, is the third policeman killed in the line of duty this year. He was Patrolman Edward J. Kowalewski a 35 year-old father of four children and an eight years veteran of the department.

After receiving treatment for a bullet wound of the lower back at Maryland General Hospital. Mr. Rich had driven the suspect to Baltimore from Washington before the shooting. Washington police had issued a look out for a fugitive in an armed robbery that closely resembled the main custody, police said. The suspect, fleeing in another cab and pursued by a third cab, was captured by Patrolman Stanley Zawadski, a boyhood friend of slain officer at Orleans and Gay streets. Police said he was reloading his gun when taken into custody. Witnesses including a hold-up victim and the victim of an attempted hold-up each from Washington, viewed the suspect in lineups at Police Headquarters yesterday afternoon. Police identified the man as Ray Allen Nixt, 40, a waiter with no home address. Officers said he was paroled recently from Folsom Prison in California after serving ten years of a life sentence for armed robbery.
Cab drivers credited with aiding in the capture, were Zonnie Wisc. 34, who chased the fugitive and picked up Patrolman Zawadski on the way Charles L Wise, who was forced at gunpoint to drive him alway from the shooting scene and later disarmed him, and Charles II. Miller, 33, who saw the Hashing light alarm on the commandeered vehicle and forced it to the curb.

Patrolman Kowalewski whose home was at 1231 Church Street, Curtis Bay, will be given an inspector’s funeral Friday
Services will be held at 9:15 AM at the William S. Fialkowski Funeral establishment. 4200 Pennington Avenue, followed by a Requiem Mass at 10 A.M. at St. Athanasius Church, at Prudence and Church streets. Two other officers killed this year were Patrolman Henry Smith, Jr. killed April 7, while trying to break up a dice game in the 700 block West Lexington Street, mid Patrolman Richard Seebo killed May 26 by a motorist he stopped in the 300 block East Twentieth Street.

We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. God Bless and Rest in Peace.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 2 July, 1962
City, St. North Avenue and Charles street
Panel Number 15-W: 15
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Central
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Tuesday, 21 January 2020 20:29

Officer Frederick K. Kontner

Written by
Officer Frederick K. Kontner

Police Officer Frederick K. Kontner

On this day in Baltimore Police History 10 Feb, 1967, we lost our brother Police Officer Frederick K. Kontner to gunfire based on the following - Policemen Kontner, who was 27, died at 10:30 AM yesterday at Union Memorial hospital of shock and infection caused by three gunshot wounds from a fleeing suspect on January 25, and internal injuries became infected causing his death.

The Sun (1837-1987); Feb 11, 1967; entitled Patrolman Kontner Rites
pg

POLICEMAN WAS SHOT AND CHASE OF NARCOTIC SUSPECT WHO LATER WAS SLAIN

Funeral services for patrolman Frederick Kenneth Kontner, a city policeman who was shot by a fleeing suspect on January 25, will be held at 10 AM Tuesday at Zion United Church of Christ, Harford road and Iona Terrace.

Policemen Kontner, who was 27, died at 10:30 AM yesterday at Union Memorial hospital of shock and infection caused by three gunshot wounds and internal injuries. He lived at White Hall, Maryland.

COMMENDED FOUR TIMES
Patrolman Kontner was shot in the left arm, chest, and abdomen by a former patient of the Patuxent Institute whom police or questioning about narcotics. The suspect, Donald Leo Sabutas, was killed shortly afterward and a barrage of police gunfire.

A six-year veteran of the police force, patrolman Kontner had been commended four times.

A native of Baltimore, patrolman Kontner was graduated from City College in 1957. He also studied pre-law for a year in Baltimore.

A former member of the Marine reserves, he entered basic training July 1, 1956, and was discharged from active duty at Camp Lejeune as a Pfc. on January 1, 1957.

GENERAL TOUR CRUISER
After joining the police force December 29, 1960, he was assigned briefly to the traffic division. He was transferred to the northern district 16 March 1961, where he remained for six years of duty. He was assigned to cruising patrol five, which towards the entire Northern District but concentrates particularly in an area bounded by Greenmount and Pennsylvania and North Avenues and 33rd St.

He received official commendations in 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1967. The commendations were for his work in arresting three school burglary suspects, three suspects later convicted of assault and robbery, three home burglary suspects and to later found guilty of attempted burglary.

SAW SUSPICIOUS ACTION
His wife, a former Mary Lou Moniewski, worked as a police clerk in the central records Bureau from February 25, 1960, the last October 6.

HE WAS A MEMBER THE ZION UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST.
The bullet wound which led to Patrolman Kontner’s death came after police saw a transaction at North Avenue in Calvert Street which made them suspect narcotics.

The patrol car, in which Patrolman Kontner was riding, followed the suspect as they ran north at about 8:30 PM January 25,

Patrolman Kontner was shot as he chased the suspect behind the old Department Of Motor Vehicles building, now the State Office Buildings.
Sabutas was cornered and gunned down by police after he sought refuge in a stopped car, carrying eight passengers, on 23rd St. near Guilford Avenue.

Sabutas was later charged with assaulting Patrolman Kontner, but charges were abated because of the suspect’s death.

The Patuxent Institute later revealed that Sabutas had been released from its treatment against the recommendations of the staff psychiatrist.
Besides his wife, Patrolman Kontner is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick H Kontner, of Baltimore, and his grandmother, Mrs. Robert Davis of Bishop of Maryland.

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

Baltimore Sun Article dated 02/11/1967 

A man who shot and wounded a Northern district policeman last night on a parking lot in the 2100 block of Guilford Avenue was killed minutes later in a barrage of police shotgun fire… Patrolman Kontner and Patrolman Raymond


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Slain Gunman was Treated at Patuxent

Newspapers reported on 27 January 1967; pg. C24    

Psychiatrist opposed release of Officers assailant

The 27-year-old man killed in a burst of police bullets Wednesday night after critically wounded in a city policeman had been released from the Patuxent institution against the recommendation of a staff psychiatrist.

Donald Leo Sabutas, the dead man, was described in the criminal court hearing on his release in October – 1966 – as being “rather severely disturbed and schizoid, and, grossly immature and [having] the potential to do real bodily harm.”

The policeman he shot, patrolman Frederick K. Kontner, of the northern district, remained on the critical list at union Memorial hospital yesterday after surgery for four gunshot wounds.

Hospital official said the officer was “improving” and had received numerous blood transfusions during the day. He was in the hospital’s intensive care unit with wounds of the chest, abdomen and left arm.

Charges dropped

Meanwhile, charges of assaulting three policemen and intending to murder them against Sabutas, of the 2600 block of N. Calvert St., were dropped in northern Municipal Court because of his death.

Sabutas was killed by police bullets and gunshot fire as he scrambled to get out of a car parked on 23rd St. near Guilford Avenue minutes after he shot patrolman Kontner on the parking lot of the old department of motor vehicles building in a 2100 block of Guilford Avenue.

The chain of shooting started when Sabutas and to companions were stopped by patrolman Kontner and another officer for suspicion of a narcotic violation. Sabutas and his two companions had been seen at North Avenue and Calvert Street with two other men, who fled when they saw police.

Lieut. James Cadden, of the homicide squad, said Sabutas had been questioned about narcotics usage in 1962 after being arrested on suspicion of committing a larceny.

But officials at the Patuxent Institute, from which Sabutas was released last October after three years, said they had no evidence “that he ever had a narcotic problem or ever use narcotics.”

Patuxent officials also described the background of Sabutas, a ninth-grade dropout with a long record of criminal convictions.

Released October 19th

Forced Calhoun, Junior., Assistant superintendent of Patuxent, said Sabutas was released 19 October despite the recommendations of Dr. Giovanni C. Croce, a staff psychiatrist, that Sabutas should be kept there longer.

Mr. Calhoun read a psychiatric report written when Sabutas was set free. In part, it was read;

“If released to a free society and this patient is placed in a conflicting or frustrating situation over which he has little or no control, he would have a tendency to revert to his formal mode of antisocial behavior.”

The report described Sabutas as still being a defective delinquent, the status under which he was sent to Patuxent after a burglary conviction early in 1963.

The report concluded that Sabutas “has the potential to become an even more severe danger to society” because of “aggravated antisocial behavior.”

When at Patuxent, Mr. Calhoun said, Sabutas had made a reasonable adjustment to the institution, finishing his high school education and showing aptitude enough to become an instructor in welding. He had taken vocational training there.

Still, Mr. Calhoun added, the institution staff thought Sabutas overall improvement in three years had been superficial and that he was not ready for release, even under supervision”

Tangled with law at age 16

Sabutas tangled with the law for the first time when he was just 16 when he was sent to the Maryland training school for boys on a conviction of assault with a deadly weapon.

In November 1956, he was given four years in the Maryland state reformatory in Hagerstown for the same charge. While there, he participated in 17 violations of prison rules, most of them fights.

He had also served time in the house of corrections for assault and cutting and larceny. Three days after he was released on the second sentence. On November 13, 1962, he was arrested for the burglary that eventually sent him to Patuxent.

Two others being held

Yesterday police release two men arrested within an hour after patrolman Kontner was shot. They were a 21-year-old sheet metal worker and a 22-year-old crab House employee and were arrested for questioning in the case.

One of two pistols taken from Sabutas after he shot it out with police getting out of the car had been used in a tavern hold-up on the second of January this year police said.

The second gun had been taken from patrolman Raymond Tartel L of the northern district. Patrolman Kontner’s partner in a patrol wagon they were driving in. A charge against Sabutas of taking the pistol was also dropped yesterday because of his death.

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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 

Devider color with motto

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 10 February, 1967
City, St. 2100 block of Guilford Avenue
Panel Number 59-E: 17
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Officer's Handgun
District Worked Northern
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Tuesday, 21 January 2020 20:27

Officer William S. Knight

Written by
Officer William S. Knight

On this day in Baltimore City Police History 1943 we lost our brother Police Officer William S. Knight to gunfire based on the following:

Patrolman William Knight and his partner John J. Bianca were sent to the 1100 block of Rutland Ave. to investigate the trouble at a private club that dealt with politics. Upon arrival the officers, were informed that the people involved in the argument had left the club. As they received this information, gunshots rang out from a nearby alley. A black male was seen running from the alley and across the street; the officers gave chase and the suspect was caught by Officer Knight. The suspect that was captured told the officers, he saw a man in a tan jacket firing a pistol, and that he was only running to get out of the area. That suspect was placed in the rear of their radio car (keep in mind this was 1943 and the idea of a cage car wouldn’t come along for some time). The area was then further searched for the suspect in the tan jacket that was mentioned by the first suspect. As they were discussing how to handle the situation, the officers observed a man wearing a tan jacket run into an alley where the patrol car wouldn’t go. Officer Bianca chased the man on foot, while Officer Knight stayed with the first suspect and the radio car. The suspect dressed in tan reportedly doubled back to the radio car where he was confronted by Officer Knight. Shots were fired by both the suspect, and the officer, each striking the other in the chest. Officer Knight would stagger back to his radio car to call for help; he made that call and then passed out on the front seat. He was later taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital where he would be pronounced dead. The first man who was originally placed in the car, left the scene when Officer Knight died, he was never identified. The suspect shot by Officer Knight, Thomas Toler, a 20 year old male died on 8 November 1943.

Officer Knight had served the City for 7 years before this incident

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 7 November, 1943
City, St. 1100 block of Rutland Ave.
Panel Number 20-E: 4
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Northeastern
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Tuesday, 21 January 2020 20:22

Officer John T. King, Jr.

Written by
Officer John T. King, Jr.

On this day 28 Dec 1936 in Baltimore Police History we lost our Brother, Officer John T. King, Jr. as he was killed when he was stuck by a Vehicle on 27 Dec 1936 at 11:20PM. Officer King was struck by a motorist while crossing the intersection of Hoffman and Caroline Streets. He was treated for serious fractures of both legs, internal injuries, abrasions and shock. The next morning (this day 28 Dec 1936) Officer King succumbed to his injuries. He had joined the BPD on April 10, 1923 and served 13 years and 8 months.

MAN IS KILLED WHEN STRUCK BY AUTOMOBILE
The Sun (1837-1987); Dec 28, 1936; pg. 14 
Policeman Badly Hurt
Patrolman John T. King, 43, of the 500 block of Morello Avenue, northeastern district, was seriously injured early this morning 28 December 1936 when he was struck by an automobile at Carolina and Hoffman streets. He was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where his injuries were diagnosed as possible internal injuries and compound fractures of both legs.

William F. Higgins, the driver of the car, was charged with failing to give right away to a policeman and failing to have a registration card in his possession.

3 MORE DEATHS BOOST TRAFFIC TOLL UP TO 44
The Sun (1837-1987); Jan 21, 1937;
pg. 24
Held For Grand Jury
William Higgins, 20, of the, was held for the action of the grand jury yesterday by Dr. Gurley on the charge of causing the death of patrolman John T. King, 42, of the northeastern district. The accident occurred at Huffman and Caroline streets December 28, 1936, and the patrolman died the next day in St. Joseph’s Hospital

YOUTH IS EXONERATED IN POLICEMAN's DEATH
The Sun (1837-1987); Feb 11, 1937;
pg. 11
Used Is Exonerated In Policeman’s Death

William S. Higgins cleared in traffic accident fatal to Officer John T. King; William F. Higgins, 20, yesterday was acquitted by Judge Roland K. Adams of the charge of manslaughter growing out of the killing by an automobile of patrolman John T. King at Hoffman and Caroline streets on December 27. In the clearing Higgins, Judge Adam said he was not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the policeman was in the pedestrian lane when it.
Testimony was that Higgins had drank a small quantity of beer before the accident, and judge Adams commented on this feature of the case, saying that the trail, as in other cases, led to a Tavern. 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 28, December, 1936
City, St. Hoffman and Caroline Streets
Panel Number 11-W: 6
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Northeastern
Published in Fallen Heroes
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