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Officer Charles R. Ernest

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 16:48
Officer Charles R. Ernest

On this day in Baltimore Police History 20 January, 1965, we lost our Brother Police Officer Charles R. Ernest to a pedestrian related auto accident based on the following -

At the intersection of Pearl and Saratoga St., Mr. Ferman Simmon and Mr. Louis Owen’s were involved in a minor traffic accident. Mr. Simmon was sitting in traffic when he was struck from behind. Mr. Owens had failed to stop for a stop sign, (he was driving a 1959 Chevy) when he slammed into the rear of Mr. Simmon’s 1953 Ford. Even though their cars were operable the two drivers failed to remove their cars from the street causing a traffic back-up.

It was approx. 11:15am on the morning of June 13, 1964. Patrolman Ernest and his partner Officer Joseph Keirle arrived to handle what in terms of Baltimore City Police Department’s calls, would be considered as “routine”. More modern times it would be a Sig 30. Patrolman Ernest examined the licenses, and other paperwork that Mr. Simmons and Mr. Owens had provided, while he and Mr. Simmons stood at the rear of the heavily damaged 53 Ford owned by Mr. Simmons, and the incident was being investigated. Mr. Owens was told to back his car away so Officer Keirle could better direct traffic around the scene and free up some of the traffic from the intersection. Mr. Owens jumped in behind the steering wheel, started the engine, and nervously put the car in the gear, as most people are around Police, Owens was nervous, his anxiety as it was, he did not get the car into reverse, but instead found drive, as he let up off the clutch while peering through the back window, his car lunged forward, he quickly went to push the brake, but again his nerves got the best of him, and he pushed the pedal to the floor… had it been the brake, he may have saved a life, but as it was the gas, and instead of saving a life, he crushed the hips of two men between the cars.

Mr. Fermon Simmons and Officer Charles Ernest were powerless to stop the two vehicles from crushing them between the two, and in an instant the pair were pinned between the cars. Mr. Owens immediately switched the car from 1st gear to reverse and backed his car away; but it was too late, the damage had already been done. When released from the massive trap of mangled steel and chrome, Patrolman Charles R Ernest could do nothing but fall to the ground in a horrific, and unbearable pain.

The collision had shattered the hips, pelvis and entire lower spine of both men. Patrolman Keirle immediately called for an ambulance and did his best to comfort his partner. The crew of Medic #1 (Ambulance #1) rushed to the scene and took the two men to University Hospital.

The hospital summoned Dr. John A. O’Conner, the official Departmental Doctor, to care for Officer Ernest. After a week in the hospital, and several surgeries, Doctor O’Connor determined Officer Ernest would need long-term care, and assigned Dr. Edward Wenzlaff as his primary doctor. When the immediate danger to his health had passed, Officer Ernest was taken from the hospital to his home with hopes of a full recovery.

At home with his wife Dorothy, and daughter, Mary were caring for him constantly; he seemed to be doing better. There was never a shortage of visitors. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse, and hopes would soon wane as there was a steady decline in his condition.

Though he had the benefits of the assigned physician to care for him, he did not progress the way Dr O'Conner had originally hoped he would. On January 20, 1965, after multiple surgeries, numerous therapies and 221 days of bed rest at his home, Officer Charles R Ernest would suffer a severe heart attack and die, all as a result of the initial injuries.

Officer Charles R. Ernest served the department for 18 years and one month, he was a well-respected Police Officer. During World War II he was a Sergeant in the Armory and faced the dangers of combat for little more than two years. In Baltimore he spent almost half his life in the Western District facing its dangers every day. In 1960, he was awarded the Silver Star after confronting an armed suspect and trading shots with him. A brave officer, he was, never cavalier about dangerous situations, ironically it was his keen sense of area awareness that kept him safe, a sense of awareness that was caught off guard by the usual routineness of a call like this. He could have never suspected that call for a simple traffic accident would take his life. Which went on to teach future generations of police that there is no such thing as a routine call.

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



More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 20 JANUARY, 1965
City, St. Pearl and Saratoga St
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Western
Published in Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Michael J Egan

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 16:45
Patrolman Michael J Egan

2 Oct 1920 - Patrolman MICHAEL J EGAN Southwest District, A murder/suicide occurred when Kenneth Tucker and his wife were alone and the police have been unable to learn just what proceeded the double shooting. Eunice Honeycutt, 14-year-old daughter of the woman by a former marriage, was in the house when her stepfather came to the door and sought admittance. Patrolman Egan had just returned to the station with a disorderly conduct arrest, when the desk sergeant sent him out to handle the Tucker incident. He and a reporter attempted to run to the location of the shooting, but Officer Egan became winded, and needed a lift, he flagged down a motorist and was given a ride to the scene, 1313 W Saratoga St. Officer Egan pushed open the door and went in. Later when the patrol wagon from the Western District arrived and went in they discovered Officer Egan's lifeless body lying across Tucker just inside the door. It was believed that the site of Tucker caused him to collapse, but we don't know, there could have been a struggle for the gun, or he may have collapsed from the run, or an earlier struggle with the disorderly from the arrest he just cleared. As we all know even without a struggle, a disorderly can get our heart rate up, and with an already weak heart, this could have led to the death of Patrolman Michael Egan of the Southwest District. This is obviously a Line of Duty Death. (*7)

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 2 Oct 1920
City, St. 1313 W Saratoga St.
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death Heart Attack
District Worked Southwestern
Published in Fallen Heroes

Officer Warren V Eckert

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 16:43
Officer Warren V Eckert

Rank: Police Officer
Panel: 63-E: 17
Department: Baltimore City, Maryland, P.D.
End of Watch: November 16, 1960
Cause: Motorcycle Accident
Age: 27
Years of Service: 5

Description: Patrol motorcycle accident.

6 November, 1960 - Police Officer Warren V Eckert

On this day in Baltimore Police History 16 Nov 1960, we lost our Brother Police Officer Warren Eckert
On November 16, 1960 at approximately 12:35 P.m., Officer Warren Eckert was responding to a call for service using his lights and sirens. At the intersection of Pratt and Carey Streets, Officer Eckert was struck by another motorist, throwing him from his motorcycle. He struck his head against the street, causing fatal injuries. Officer Eckert served with the Baltimore Police department for 5 years. Before being appointed to the Baltimore Police Department in 1955, Officer Eckert was a member of our United States Navy where he served from April 19, 1951 until March 22, 1955.
Motorist Faces Jury Action in Fatal Accident 21 Dec 1960 page 36
A motorist who was involved in an accident in which a traffic policeman was killed last month was held for grand jury action yesterday after a hearing in Central District Police Court - Police said the defendant Thomas A Goins, Jr 42, Negro, was driver of pick-up truck which collided with a motorcycle operated by patrolman Warren V. Eckert November 16. The Officer was dead on arrival at Franklin Square Hospital after the Accident.
Police testified Patrolman Eckert was westbound on Pratt Street with his siren operating and red light flashing when his vehicle hit the truck which was Northbound on Carey. And had run the red light entering the intersection in the path of Patrolman Eckert
Goins, of 600 Block of Baker Street was charged with manslaughter. He was held on $1000 Bail
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, it honored us all may he rest in peace, and may God bless him.

$70,000 Granted Kin Of Policeman
Dec 12, 1962 - pg. 17
Damages totaling $70,000 were awarded in superior court yesterday to the widow and three minor children of Officer Warren V. Eckert a motorcycle patrolman, who was killed in a traffic accident while escorting an emergency ambulance to a hospital in November 1960
The jury under Judge Anselm Sodaro returned a consent judgment of $27,750 for Mrs. Katheryn A. L. Eckert: $19000 for Maureen S Eckert 6, $11500 for Beverly C Eckert 10, and $2250 for Mrs. Eckert as administratrix. Testimony produced by James R White A. Davis Gomborov and Matthew Swerdloff. Council for the plaintiff, disclosed that Patrolman Eckert was leading an Ambulance with his siren on and lights blinking when he was struck by a truck at Carey and Pratt Streets. Thomas A. Groins Jr driver of the truck of the 600 block Baker Street and Baltimore Beverage Distribution Company of Maryland Inc. of the 2600 Block Pennsylvania Ave. ran the light entering the intersection causing the collision
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, it honored us all may he rest in peace, and may God bless him.


http://www.baltimorecitypolicehistory.com/…/124-eckert-warr…

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More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 16 November, 1960
City, St. Pratt and Carey Streets Baltimore Md
Panel Number 63-E: 17
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Traffic Division
Published in Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Richard H. Duvall

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 16:38
Patrolman Richard H. Duvall

On this day in Baltimore Police History 11 January 1959 we lost our brother Patrolman Richard H. Duvall to accidental gunfire after a high speed auto chase and the recovery of a stolen auto. This based on the following:

On Saturday, 11 January, 1959 16 year old Ulbis Buiva, of the 1100 block Roland Heights avenue an 11th grade student at Baltimore Polytech Institute, where he is taking the “A” courses. Entered a car dealership off Mt. Royal Ave. and stole a black 1957 Thunderbird, later around the same time he was involved in a hit-and-run accident at Mt. Royal and North Avenue, at which time both the cars were reported as having Pennsylvania tags. Those tags were stolen from a parking lot also not far off Mt Royal Ave. Patrolman Robert B Leutbecker. spotted the vehicle at Park and North avenues. He reported it by telephone and the radio alert was broadcasted to all cars.

At the time there were several persons in the car. After racing around the park roads, the sports car sped from the park using the Gwen Falls Parkway exit. This is where patrolman Howell and Duvall became involved in the chase. Patrolman Howell and Duvall (partners) were in one of about 18+ police cars that were chasing the speeding Thunderbird, when it cornered too hard overcompensating the turn, the youth driving it struck an embankment before bailing out. Howell and Duvall gave chase, each fired their revolvers at the youth as he ran up the alley, they would eventually capture the youth after a short 100 foot, or less, foot chase. At the end of the chase, the officers were confronted with a “Terrific Struggle” the suspect putting up a fight, it was during that struggle “one of the officer's gun discharged”. Seeing as how both guns were fired numerous times during the chase, and during the struggle, it was unclear at first which officer's gun fired the fatal shot that took Patrolman Duvall’s life. But during the struggle one of the two guns went off and Patrolman Duvall was shot in the left side of his chest, the bullet passed down, cutting his main artery before it would exit through his right hip, killing him in route through his body.

Patrolman Howell broke down at the hospital when he learned of his partner’s death, in fact he was so broken up that he had to be kept there at the hospital under sedation for the night.

Sadly the next day, ballistics would show, the round that took Officer Duvall's life was fired from his partner, Patrolman Melvin E Howell’s .38 cal revolver.

Patrolman Richard H. Duvall Jr, 28, served the Baltimore Police department for more than 6 years, he was married to Charlotte Duvall, and father to two girls two children a two-year-old Suzan and a three-month-old Cheryl.

On this day in Baltimore Police History 11 January 1959 we lost our brother Patrolman Richard H. Duvall to accidental gunfire after a high speed auto chase and the recovery of a stolen auto.

This Based on the Following:

On Saturday, 11 January, 1959 16 year old Ulbis Buiva, of the 1100 block Roland Heights avenue an 11th grade student at Baltimore Polytech Institute, where he is taking the “A” courses. Entered a car dealership off Mt. Royal Ave. and stole a black 1957 Thunderbird, later around the same time he was involved in a hit-and-run accident at Mt. Royal and North Avenue, at which time both the cars were reported as having Pennsylvania tags. Those tags were stolen from a parking lot also not far off Mt Royal Ave. Patrolman Robert B Leutbecker. spotted the vehicle at at Park and North avenues. He reported it by telephone and the radio alert was broadcasted to all cars.

At the time there were several persons in the car. After racing around the park roads, the sports car sped from the park using the Gwen Falls Parkway exit. This is where patrolman Howell and Duvall became involved in the chase. Patrolman Howell and Duvall (partners) were in one of about 18+ police cars that were chasing the speeding Thunderbird, when it cornered too hard overcompensating the turn, the youth driving it struck an embankment before bailing out. Howell and Duvall gave chase, each fired their revolvers at the youth as he ran up the alley, they would eventually capture the youth after a short 100 foot, or less, foot chase. At the end of the chase, the officers were confronted with a “terrific struggle” he suspect putting up a fight, it was during that struggle “one of the officers guns discharged”. Seeing as how both guns were fired numerous times during the chase, and during the struggle, it was unclear at first which officer's gun fired the fatal shot that took Patrolman Duvall’s life. But during the struggle one of the two guns went off and Patrolman Duvall was shot in the left chest, the bullet passed down, cutting his main artery before it would exit through his right hip.

Patrolman Howell broke down at the hospital when he learned of his partner’s death, in fact he was so broken up that he had to be kept there at the hospital under sedation for the night.

Sadly the next day, ballistics would show, the round that took Officer Duvall's life was fired from his partner, Patrolman Melvin E Howell’s .38 cal revolver.

Patrolman Richard H. Duvall Jr, 28, served the Baltimore Police department for more than 6 years, he was married to Charlotte Duvall, and father to two girls two children a two-year-old Suzan and a three-month-old Cheryl.

The following articles come from the Baltimore Sun 1959

POLICEMAN IS FATALLY WOUNDED IN CLIMAX OF STOLEN CAR, COURT CASE

12 January 1959

Officer Shot by Bullet from His Own or Partners Pistol

A young policeman was fatally wounded yesterday at the climax of a high-speed stolen car chase through the northern part of the city.

Patrolman Richard H. Duvall Jr. 28 was shot in the chest by a bullet from his own pistol was that of his partner, Patrolman Melvin H. Howell – 29 – while they were arrested the driver of a stolen sports car.

The ballistics tests will be conducted to determine which pistol the bullet came from, investigators said

OCCURRED AFTER CHASE

The shooting occurred in the 3800 block of Greenspring Avenue at the end of a five-mile chase late in the afternoon. It began on Greenmount Avenue and raised it’s be the river 75 miles an hour through Druid Hill Park to Northwest Baltimore. Patrolman Howell and Duvall in one of about 18 police cars chasing the speeding Thunderbird, cornered the youth driving it after it struck an embankment opposite the Children’s Hospital school. They each fired their revolvers at the youth as he ran up the alley, and captured him after a 100 foot, Foot Chase.

ONE OF THE GUN’S DISCHARGED

Police officials who were investigating the shooting said that the youth was captured with a “terrific struggle” and that “one of the officers guns discharged” during the fight Inspector Leo T Kelly when asked whether the officers were clubbing the use with their pistol butts replied, “no doubt he did get hit with one of the guns.” Patrolman Duvall, married and the father of two children. Died about a half hour after the shooting at union Memorial hospital.

MAIN ARTERY CUT

He was shot in the left chest, and the bullet passed down, cutting the main artery and going out over the right hip. Patrolman Howell broke down at the hospital when he learned of his partner’s death and was kept there under sedation last night. Patrolman Duvall, who lived at 942 Imperial Court, Lansdowne, was on the force of seven years. Patrolman Howell has been on the force a year and a half longer. Inspector Kelly, who conducted the investigation with inspector Bernard J Schmidt, said for use other than the driver of the stolen car were being held for questioning about the theft at the Northern Police District.

The driver who gave his age at the hospital as 15 but appeared much older, was treated at union Memorial hospital for scalp cuts, which he apparently received while he was being captured. Inspector Kelly said that the Thunderbird was wanted by police for several counts. It had been reported stolen from an automobile dealer Saturday and as caring Pennsylvania tags reported lost or stolen here earlier. The black 1957 Thunderbird was involved in a hit-and-run accident Saturday at Mt. Royal and North Avenue, at which time both the cars description and its Pennsylvania tags were spotted. Late yesterday afternoon a policeman saw it at Park and North avenues. He reported it by telephone and the radio alert was broadcasted to all cars. At the time there were several persons in the car. One Police car saw minutes later at 25th St. and Greenmount Avenue, touching off the chase with proceeded to North Ave., West on Madison Avenue North on the Druid Hill Park. After racing around the park roads, the sports car sped out the Gwen Falls Parkway exit from the park, where patrolman Howell involved when the case.

HITTING 75 MILES AN HOUR

The train of cars raced to the Park Circle and up Park Heights Avenue. According to patrolman Wilbur Baldwin, one of the pursuing officers, the cars were hitting 75 miles an hour and more. They cut off Violet Ave., up Cottage Avenue and across Oswego Avenue. Where the sports car turned South on Greenspring Avenue. As the sports car twisted down the hill outside the Children’s Hospital school, it turned suddenly to the right into an alley. Apparently in an attempt to reverse directions and lose the oncoming group of police cars.

CAR HITS SLOPE

But it hit a slope along the side of the southernmost house in a 3800 block.

Inspector Kelly said the two policemen were the only ones at the spot when patrolman Duvall was shot. Both of their pistols had been fired, he said.

The inspector said the persons reported in the sports car when it was first seen had apparently been dropped before the high-speed chase, although it was possible one of the riders was in the car when it crashed. A total of three shots were fired by the two pistols, inspector Kelly said. It was the inspector who said, “There was a terrific struggle” in arresting the youth. Patrolman Duvall, and his Wife Charlotte, had their two children a two-year-old and a three-month-old.

PARTNERS DEATH MADE TO OFFICER

13 January 1959

Test shows patrolman’s gun killed companion. A Northwest district patrolman was charged yesterday with causing the death of his radio car partner Sunday as the two struggled with the youth at the end of a five-mile high-speed car chase. The technical charge was placed against Patrolman Melvin E Howell, 29 of 1800 block of Swansea road, after the ballistic test showed that a bullet from his gun killed his partner, policeman, Richard H. Duvall. 28, of Lansdowne. A total of three shots had been fired from his gun, and the .38 caliber service revolver of patrolman Officer Melvin E. Howell.

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

As police continue their investigation of the car theft, and a wild chase that led to its recovery, there were these other developments

1. The 15-year-old youth who was arrested at the climax of the chase was operated on at Union Memorial Hospital where he was being treated for a skull fracture. Inspector Leo T. Kelly said Sunday he had been hit with the policeman’s revolvers.

2. Car theft charges were placed against another youth 16, who is alleged to have had a part in taking the 1958 Thunderbird from the automobile dealer on Saturday. Hearing of the charge and postponed it to February 9 when a youth, Ulbis Buiva, a native of Latvia, it appeared yesterday before magistrate James F Fanseen, and Northern police court. His counsel, Preston A. Pairo, Junior, said Buiva is an 11th grade student at the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, where he is taking the “A” course. He lives with his parents in the 1100 block Roland Heights avenue. Bail was set at $750 on the car theft charge and a $250 on the second count, alleging that Buiva was involved in stealing a set of Pennsylvania license plates from a car in a parking lot. Pennsylvania tags were on a stolen car which police chased through the Midtown, and Midwest sections of Baltimore.

SPOTTED SUNDAY

The stolen car was spotted Sunday afternoon parked in the 600 block of W. North Ave. by Patrolman Robert B Leutbecker. He said he went over to the shiny black car and asked the useful driver for his operator’s license and registration card. The officers said the youth replied the credentials were in the glove compartment, but that he would get them. He got into the car, which was occupied by three young women and another young man and they roared away.

By the time the car had gone three blocks, police said, the passengers were demanding to be let out. The driver stopped and allowed all four to leave the car.

The four later were questioned by police, who said yesterday that no charges will be brought against them.

CHASE CAR THROUGH PARK

After the stolen car raced away from the officer who wanted to question

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.

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.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 11 January, 1959
City, St. Gwen Falls Parkway
Panel Number 8-E: 17
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Friendly Fire
District Worked Northwestern
Published in Fallen Heroes

Policeman James T. Dunn

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 16:35
Policeman James T. Dunn

n this day 20 June 1894, we lost our brother's Policeman Michael Neary and Policeman James T. Dunn of the Central District as they were both instantly killed at 8:25 p.m. They were struck by a locomotive of the Northern Central Railway at the bridge between Chase and Eager Streets. Policeman Neary’s head was severed from his body and the two parts were picked up separately. Policeman Dunn was hit on the right side of the head. His skull was fractured in several places and his body was knocked from the railroad bridge into Jones’s Falls. The two bodies were recovered immediately after the accident by Captain Frank Toner of the Central District and were carried into Calvert Station on a private car furnished by the railway company and from here were taken to the City Hospital. The accident occurred while the policemen were attempting to arrest a number of boys who were bathing in Jones’s Falls. Boys have been accustomed to take off their clothes and get into the waters of the Falls at this point almost daily. Their antics in the water caused many of the people who live in the neighborhood to become indignant. Complaint was made to the police and an effort was being made to break up the practice. About an hour and a half before the accident happened

4 officers today

Police  Officer James T. Dunn

Policeman Dunn had arrested one boy and sent him to the station house. Returning to his beat he saw other boys in the water and set about capturing them. Policeman Neary was off duty at the time and at his home on Guilford Avenue in citizen’s dress. Appreciating the difficulty that Dunn would have in arresting the boys or restraining them if caught, he put on his coat and went to Dunn’s assistance. The two officers crossed to the east side of Chase Street bridge and descended the high bank to the railroad tracks. They walked over the railroad and getting close to the boys called to them to come out of the water. Captain Toner was an interested spectator of the scene and remained to see how the officers would capture the boys. A large crowd had also collected on the street above. Two of the boys voluntarily came out of the water toward the officers and Captain Toner says that when he saw one boy in Dunn’s charge, he left the bridge and went up Guilford Avenue toward Biddle Street. At that time Neary and Dunn were going up the bank on the west side of the railroad bridge. This was the last the captain saw of his men alive. Soon afterward a large crowd of people gathering on Chase Street bridge hastened back to find out what was the trouble. Then he learned of the fatal accident. After getting up the bank the policemen got on the bridge to walk over to the point where they could get out of the railroad yard onto Chase Street.   The train that struck them was the Parkton accommodation, which had left Union Station on its way into Calvert Station.  It is supposed the policemen did not see or hear the train until it was too late for them to get out of the way.   When the men saw the locomotive upon them, they made a desperate run for life. But it was too late. The fatal blow was struck at the north end of the railroad bridge. Policeman Neary was born in Ireland. He came to Baltimore when sixteen years of age. On October 15, 1877 he was appointed a policeman and patrolled the section between Exeter and Forrest Streets and from Gay to Monument Street. He was a member of A Division and was assigned to day duty. Officer Neary leaves a widow and nine children – six boys and three girls ranging from several months old to nineteen years. Policeman Dunn was six feet tall and weighed 220 pounds. He was thirty-four years old and was born at Long Green, Baltimore County. He was appointed a probationary patrolman December 18, 1890 and was promoted to the regular force May 5, 1891. He was married nearly three years ago and had a baby boy six months old. They are gone but will never be forgotten by us his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department. RIP Brothers and God Bless

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 20 June, 1894
City, St. Between Chase and Eager Streets
Panel Number 25-E: 17
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Central
Published in Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Charles J. Donohue

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 16:34
Patrolman Charles J. Donohue

Patrolman Charles J. Donohue

On this day in Baltimore Police History 1902, we lost our brother Patrolman Charles J. Donohue, of the Northwestern police district to Gun fire based on the following:

Patrolman Charles J. Donohue, was shot behind the left ear by Charles Wilson; colored, in the latter's house, at 1332 Whatcoat street, Late Last night, and he now lies in n serious , condition at the Maryland Homeopathic Hospital. The ball pierced his skull. Wilson made his escape after firing the shot, and at an early hour this morning had not been captured. The shooting was done with the patrolman's own revolver. He had been called In by Mary Jones, Wilson's common-law wife, to arrest him, the couple having had trouble about money. As Donohue entered a rear room, so Mary Jones told Sergeant Plum, he was struck over the head by Wilson with a, beer bottle. While dazed he attempted to use his revolver. The negro grabbed It, and, knocking the half conscious officer to the floor, deliberately fired at his head. The ball entered just behind the left ear. The report of the pistol attracted Sergeant Plum, who was In the neighborhood. When he arrived at the house he found Patrolman Donahue bleeding 011 the floor, but his assailant had fled through the rear yard.

Mr. Donohue was sent to the hospital and a general alarm was sent out for Wilson. At an early hour it was said that the patrolman was In a critical condition.

He was appointed August 20, 1901, and Is 27 years old. He resides at 704 North Fremont avenue. His father, Mr. John Donohue. Is a well-known liveryman. Wilson, according to the description sent out this morning, is 35 years old, about 5 feet 6 inches tan, moderately stout, of light color, has small mustache and an upper front tooth is missing. He wore a dark coat and vest and plaid trousers, with light flat soft hat. It Is said the trouble between Wilson and the Jones woman' started over 50 cents - he Is alleged to have gotten from her by claiming a friend had been arrested and that he wanted to help pay the fine. When the woman learned that the story was false she demanded the return of the money. The dispute grew warm and the woman called In the officer.

Patrolman Charles J. Donohue, of the Northwestern Police District, who was shot

In the head late Monday night at 1332 Whatcoat street by a negro said to be John Prewvines, alias Charles Wilson, died last evening, at 8.40 o'clock, at the Maryland Homeopathic Hospital, to which he was removed after the shooting. He did not regain consciousness, and therefore no dying deposition could be taken. No hope of Patrolman Donohue's recovery was entertained at any time at the hospital. It was discontinued because of the great flow of blood from the wound. That doctors at the hospital realized the patrolman's hopeless condition. And all that they attempted to do was to make him as comfortable as possible.   They found that the bullet had lodged at the base of the brain and could not be extracted. Probing for the bullet had to be discontinued because of the great flow of blood from the wound.

Miss Margaret Donohue, a sister of the dead patrolman, spent the whole day at his bedside. His father, Mr. John Donohue and his other brothers and sisters were present when he drew his last breath.

While he is gone, he will not be forgotten, as we his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not allow that. He stood tall, and made us proud to call him our brother. RIP Officer Byrd, and God Bless…

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 20 May, 1902
City, St. 1332 Whatcoat Street
Panel Number 56-W: 14
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Northwestern
Published in Fallen Heroes

Officer William F. Doehler

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 16:30
Officer William F. Doehler

On this day in Baltimore City Police History 1927 (5 Aug 27) we lost our brother Police Officer William F. Doehler - Officer Doehler was shot and killed by David Berry on August 5, 1927, after the officer had arrested him at a pawnshop for possession of stolen goods. Officer Doehler took him to a call box at Pennsylvania and Biddle to call for the wagon. While at the box, the assailant pulled a gun and shot the officer through the chest.

Officer Doehler was married and the father of two children. he entered the department on September 3, 1919.

We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department won’t let him be forgotten, RIP Officer William F. Doehler - "Your service "Honored" the City of Baltimore, and the Baltimore Police Department"


Search in Capital for Negro Fruitless
17 August 1927
pg 22
SEARCH AND CAPITAL FOR NEGRO FRUITLESS

Detectives Make Two Trips Seeking To Let Slayer Of Patrolman

Capt. Charles H. Burns, of the detective bureau, and four other members of the Police Department made to fruitless trips to Washington yesterday in an attempt to capture David L. Perry, Negro, wanted for the murder of patrolman William F. Doehler August 5, 1927. The detectives made their first trip on information furnished by George Diggs, Negro, who said he had spent Sunday night with Perry in Washington and believe the alleged slayer was still in the capital. After a vain search the police returned to Baltimore and escorted Diggs to Washington to point out the house. According to Detectives, Diggs Merely was Lying.

Shout Once the Policeman as Negro Shoots
22 Aug 1927
page 22
SHOUT WARNS POLICEMAN AS NEGRO SHOOTS

Lawyer Cries “lookout” as Prisoner Drawls Pistol and Fires
Patrolman’s Quick action Saves Him
Forces Man to Knees, Bullet Going Wild; was Calling Wagon when Attacked

A spectators warning shout yesterday probably save the life of patrolman John coffey, 62-year-old policeman of the northeastern district, one a Negro he had arrested suddenly drew a pistol with his left hand and fired. The patrolman, however, at the in time to force his prisoners partially to the ground and to escape the bullet.

The bullet passed through the transom over the door of a nearby store, penetrated the metal ceiling and lodged in the ceiling of the room above in Mrs. Fanny Barnack, wife of the owner of the store, was dressing.

CITED FOR BRAVERY SEVEN TIMES
Patrolman Coffey has been cited for bravery seven times during the 23 years he has been a member of the police force.
It was the third time this month that patrolman Baltimore have been attacked by prisoners as they were taking them to the station house. On August 6 patrolman William F Doehler of the Northwestern district, was shot fatally by a prisoner after he had taken the man to a call box. On August 13 patrolman Harry P Levinson also the Northwestern district, was forced to shoot a prisoner who had wrestled away his Espantoon and was attempting to beat him.

LAWYER GIVES A WARNING
patrolman Coffey had arrested the Negro, who later identified himself as “Bud” Young – 39 years old, 500 block S. Spring St., and was summoning the patrol when Samuel Greenfield, 1715 East Baltimore St., an attorney shouted “lookout Coffey,” just before the Negro fired. The policeman and prisoner were standing before the barn asked store at 1404 East Baltimore St. at the time the arrest had been made in the block where young lives. Patrolman Coffey walked his prisoner to Baltimore Street and thence to Elm Street, where he asked to someone in the store to telephone for the patrol. When the person telephoning ask for his name at the request of the operator at the police station. Patrolman Coffey called out “what’s that?” At the time stepping slightly forward. He held the Negro securely by the right arm, however, as they previously had a tussle in Spring Street.

DRAWLS PISTOL, HE SAYS As a patrolman step forward young drew the pistol with his left hand, Mr. Greenfield asserted.
“I was sitting in a parked car at the corner of Baltimore and Eldon streets and was the only one nearby who could see what was happening, as Coffey and the Negro were partly hidden from view by a number of packing cases,” the attorney said, “something told me that things were going to happen. A few minutes before I had seen Coffey and a young struggling in Spring Street as I was passing in an automobile and so I pulled up and parked.” “One Coffey step forward to give his name to the man at the phone I saw the Negro draw his pistol, “lookout, Coffey,” I yelled. Coffey turned and twisted the man’s right arm, pushing him down on one knee just as the pistol went off.”

BULLET ENTERED THE STORE
“The twisting motion forced young to fire upward and the bullet missed Coffey.” “Then I ran forward and put my foot on Young’s left arm so that he couldn’t fire again and Coffey took the pistol away from him.” Mr. Greenfield explained that he had known patrolman Coffey for a number of years. At the northeastern police station young was charged with assaulting and shooting with intent to kill. Caring deadly weapons and disorderly conduct. He will be given a hearing today before magistrate Thomas F. O’Neill


NEGRO, DOEHLER CASE SUSPECT, CAUGHT, FLEES

The Sun (1837-1987); Sep 6, 1927;

pg. 24

Negro – Doehler case suspect, caught, flees
Automobile what’s on way to capital, report
Man answered description of Patrolmam’s Aledged Slayer, Assertion
A Negro believed to be David Perry – sought since August 5 as the slayer of patrolman William F. Doehler, escaped in an automobile with two companions last night after a park motorcycle patrolman had arrested the trio.
The three Negroes, one of whom answer closely to the description of Perry, were placed under arrest by patrolman Robert Brady, on duty on Gwynns Falls Parkway, shortly before 9 o’clock

ORDERED TO STATION
Brady had stopped the car on suspicion. He saw that one of the Negroes resembled Perry, even to a patch which the alleged slayer wears on his left cheek to cover an abscess. Brady ordered the Negroes to turn the car and drive to the police station while he followed on his machine. As the car and motorcycle, traveled on Windsor Mill Road, were between Clifton Avenue and Wetheredville Road, Brady’s headlight went out and a moment later his machine slid into a ditch. The Negro drive an automobile sped away suicide Street. Brady fired his revolver several times to attract attention and residents of the section notified the Northwest police station, to which patrolman Doehler what attached.

SEARCH OF DISTRICT MADE Patrolman Ernest temple, Henry Alexander and Lawrence E. Peters, each driving a light car, were sent to the district and cruised for several hours without finding the fugitive’s. Brady reported that the Negroes had several suitcases in the touneau of the car and told him they were going to Washington. Neither members of the state police at the Laurel substation nor Washington police had been notified late last night to watch for the car. Perry, alias Barry, Perran and Kanard, had been sought by the police of Baltimore and other cities since the day patrolman Doehler was shot and killed at a police call box on Pennsylvania Avenue. The policeman had arrested a Negro on a petty larceny charge and was calling the patrol when his prisoner suddenly drew a pistol, shot his capture and escaped. For more than two days in intensive hunt, in which citizens joined with the police, was carried on in the Negroes districts. The search was extended to Washington, where Perry was reported to have been seen, but the detectives failed in their efforts to find him.

DESCRIPTION OF NEGRO Perry is described as a light-skinned Negro, 22 years old, 5 feet seven or 8 inches tall and weighing between 140 and 150 pounds. He has a 3 inch scar on the back of his right arm. On his left cheek is an abscess, over which he usually wears an absorbing patch, held in place by strips of adhesive plaster. It is believed that he will seek medical treatment, as the abscess has been malingering for two years. The Police Department has offered a reward of $250 for the capture of the slayer

SUSPECT IN DOEHLER SLAYING ELUDES POLICE
7 September 1927
page 3
Suspect in Doehler slaying eludes police

All available clue run down without finding Negro fugitive The police last night said they had run down all the clues available without finding David Perry, Negro, salt as the murder of patrolman William F. Doehler. A man believed to be Perry, accompanying two other Negroes, escaped from Robert Brady, a Park policeman, after he had arrested them Monday night. The Negroes escaped when Brady’s motorcycle went into a ditch.

NEGRO HELD IN OKLAHOMA MAY BE PERRY
The Sun (1837-1987); Sep 9, 1927;
pg. 26
Negro held in Oklahoma may be Perry Description said to correspond with alleged slayer of patrolman. Detective to leave for West at once accused friend to go along – indictment to be asked today with the arrest in Oklahoma City Oklahoma, of a Negro named Perry, whose photographs were partially identified yesterday by the wife and several friends of David L Perry, alleged slayer of patrolman William F. Doehler, the police here believed that they were closer to the capture of murder than at any other time since the crime was committed August 5. Lieut. Martin J. Manion, of the detective bureau, accompanied by Negro who knows Perry well, will leave for the West today and an effort to complete the identification, Capt. Charles H. Burns, of the detective bureau, said last night.

To Ask for Indictment Today
Robert R. O’Connor, states attorney, said last night that he would go before the grand jury today and asked that Perry be indicted on the charge of first-degree murder. The present term of the grand jury were in today. Mr. Gerald O’Connor said that an indictment would be necessary in case the Negro held in Oklahoma City proved to be Perry, an indictment or a governors warrant being necessary for the extradition.

Photographs Arrive Here
Photograph of Negro under arrest in Oklahoma City Oklahoma, together with a description of him, arrived at the detective bureau yesterday. The description corresponds in every respect to that furnished the police by the wife and friends of Perry. In weight, height and complexion they are about the same, the man held has a sore on the left cheek, similar to the one from which Perry is said to have suffered for several years. “Looks like him” wife says One of photograph of their captive sent here by Oklahoma City authorities was shown to Perry’s wife, Lottie, she said, “it looks like him,” the police reported. William Butler, Negro, a friend and former neighbor of the alleged slayer, and several intimate acquaintances of Perry are said to have made the same statement. Either Butler or one of the other Negroes will company the detective. The condition of Perry’s wife will not permit her to be taken. Previous to the communication from the Western city the only picture of Perry in the hands of the police was an enlargement from a snapshot, in which the Negro was depicted wearing a cap with only part of his face showing.

$250 Reward Offered
This picture has been reproduced on handbills offering a reward of $250 for the capture of the Negro. These handbills had been distributed to all the police departments in the country and it was from the one in their possession that the suspicions of the Oklahoma City authorities were aroused.

They checked the descriptions of Perry with the man they had arrested and wrote the chief inspector George the G. Henry.

The Negro was arrested several days ago on the charge of burglary. He gave his name as Henry James. He refused to talk to the Oklahoma City police, a dispatch from their last night said, detective pointed out yesterday that it was for attempting to pawn a watch believed to have been obtained in a burglary in the northeastern district of Baltimore, that patrolman Doehler had placed the Negro believed to be Perry under arrest.

Tried to Pawn Watch

Patrolman Doehler had gone to a pawn shop on Pennsylvania Avenue in response to a call from the proprietor, who said that a Negro was attempting to pawn a watch, the number of which had been reported on the lookout sheet. The patrolman led the Negro to a call box at Biddle Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and called the patrol wagon. Before it arrived, it was said, the prisoner drew a pistol, shot the policeman through the heart and fled. Patrolman Doehler fired once as he sank to the ground and as he was the best marksmen of the Northwestern district, the police for some time worked on a theory that the policeman’s slayer had been wounded. On the night following the shooting numerous reports that the Negro had been seen around the city. In the Western district a crowd of 4000 persons join the police in a chase which began at Perry’s house in a 600 block of Sarah Ann Street and spread over that section of the city, lasting several hours. On the same night a room which had been occupied by Perry was searched and a quantity of jewelry, some of which was said to have been stolen in the same robbery as the watch, which patrolman Doehler’s slayer tried to pawn, was found. Since that time. Has been reported in Washington, Woodwardville, Maryland: Alexandria Virginia and in nearly every part of Baltimore.

Negro Suspect Escapes

Monday night a Negro answering the description of Perry was placed under arrest on Gwinn’s falls Parkway by officer Robert Brady, a Park policeman. The Negro into companions, also colored, were in an automobile when Brady’s suspicions were aroused. He ordered the driver to go to the police station, planning to follow the car on his motorcycle. His motorcycle overturned, however, and the Negroes escaped.

SUSPECT DENIES DOEHLER SLAYING
The Sun (1837-1987); Sep 10, 1927; pg. 9

SUSPECT DENIES DOEHLER SLAYING

Negro held in Oklahoma City says he has never been east of Kansas

LEAVES HERE FOR WEST

Detective seeks to identify man thought murder of Baltimore patrolman - Oklahoma City, September 9 – the Negro named Perry, held here for Baltimore police and believed to be David L. Perry, who is accused of shooting a Baltimore patrolman to death August 5, today denied all knowledge of the Baltimore crime and said that he has never been east or north of Kansas - He also said that he is 17 years old and that his mother, two brothers and wife lived in Oklahoma City.

Baltimore Negro was 22

The man wanted by Baltimore authorities is said to be 22 years old and have a wife in the Maryland city. The Perry arrested here has a sore on the right side of his face. The Negro one in Baltimore has an abscess on the left cheek, but in other respects the descriptions tally. Perry admitted serving jail term in Kansas for minor offenses last year. Leaves for Oklahoma City Lieut. Martin J. Mannion, of the detective bureau, accompanied by William Butler, a Negro who knows David L. Perry, left Baltimore late yesterday afternoon for Oklahoma City in an effort to identify the man held there as the Negro salt in the murder of patrolman William F. Doehler. If Butler identifies the Perry held in the West another detective will be sent to Oklahoma with extradition papers to bring the accused back to Baltimore. Lieut. Mannion is expected to arrive in Oklahoma City tomorrow morning.

David L. Perry was indicted yesterday after several detectives and Butler had testified before the grand jury.


Finds Doehler Met Death at Hands of Negro Berry
The Sun (1837-1987); Sep 14, 1927;
pg. 5

Finds Doehler met death at hands of Negro Barry

Coroner Gives Verdict in Killing of Patrolman by Prisoner

Dr. George C. At large, last night gave a verdict in the fatal shooting of patrolman William F. Doehler. He found that the patrolman met his death at the hands of David L. Barry, Negro, also known as Perry. The investigation was held at the Western police station. Hillary W. Gans, assistant state’s attorney, questioned a number of witnesses to the murder. The pistol with which Barry is alleged to have shot Doehler was produced. Two taxicab drivers who were witnesses to the shooting told conflicting stories concerning the pistol, one alleging that the weapon produced by the state was the one used by Berry, while the other asserted it was not. Doehler was killed August 6 following his arrest of a Negro in a pawn shop on Pennsylvania Avenue. The patrolman was taken the Negro to the box when the prisoner shot him. The Negro still is at large.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 5 August, 1927
City, St. Baltimore, Md
Panel Number 49-E: 8
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Northwestern
Published in Fallen Heroes

Police Clerk Thomas J. Dillon

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 16:28
Police Clerk Thomas J. Dillon

On this day in Baltimore Police History 12 July, 1926, we lost our brother Police Clerk Thomas J. Dillon to gunfire based on the following:

Pistol Battle Due To Lack of Facilities For Insane, Longan’s View.

Vanie Lee, Discharged from Bay View, Killed By Police.

Failure of the State of Maryland to provide adequate quarters and facilities for the care of mentally deficient persons in Baltimore was responsible for the pistol battle in the Northwestern District yesterday, in which nine persons, including a police clerk and four patrolman, were shot, Col. Rufus E. Longan superintendent of the Baltimore City Hospitals, said yesterday… 

In a running pistol fight Mr. Lee, who once was an inmate of an insane ward in Baltimore City Hospitals, was shot to death by police after he had been driven from behind parked automobiles. Thomas Dillon, a Police Clerk at the Northwestern Police Station, who, although unarmed, was one of the first to close in on Mr. Lee, is in critical condition at the Colonial Hospital. Physicians, who performed an operation, said the bullet entered his chest and lodged in the spinal column. Paralyzed from the waist down, he had little chance of recovery.

It was said… Charles D. Gaither, Police Commissioner, commended highly the courage and activity of the police at the scene, and particularly praised the efforts of those who were shot. “The patrolmen did everything possible under the circumstances,” Gaither said. “It especially unfortunate that Mr. Dillon was shot, since he was unprepared for such action. Mr. Dillon volunteered when the call for reserves went out, even though the work called for was not in direct line of duty for him.” 

Others shot are: 

Patrolman Webster Schuman, Northwestern District. Shot in the mouth; condition serious; at the University Hospital.

Patrolman Ignatius Benesch, Northwestern District. Shot in the right hip; skull probably fractured by blow struck by Lee with empty pistol during hand to hand combat; at Colonial Hospital.

Police Chauffeur Leroy E. Lentz, Western District. Shot in the ankle; at University Hospital.

Patrolman Howard L. Collins, Northwestern District. Shot in the right hand; at Colonial Hospital.

William H. Kammerer, druggist, Lafayette and Fremont avenues, shot in the right leg.

Arthur Redding, 34 years old, shot in the neck; condition serious; at Colonial Hospital.

Calvin Howard, 16 years old, shot in the hand; treated at the University Hospital.

Mildred Duncan, 11 years old. Shot in the abdomen; condition serious; at the Colonial Hospital. 

Lee, according to witnesses, first ran amuck in a lunchroom not far from Argyle and Lafayette Avenues, where most of the shooting occurred. After quarreling with Arthur Redding, proprietor, he ran out on the sidewalk. Redding followed and struck Lee, witnesses said. Lee then drew a pistol and shot his assailant in the neck. After this he went home, 635 West Lafayette Avenue, and soon reappeared armed with a rifle and another pistol. Sitting on the steps in front of his home, with the rifle across his knees and his pistols nearby, Lee calmly smoked a cigar, witnesses declared. Meantime, residents had notified Rex Moore, telephone operator at the Northwestern Police Station, that a crazy man had shot another and was terrorizing the neighborhood. The police of the Western district were asked to send the patrol, while Police Clerk Dillon, Patrolman Schuman and Patrolman Collins set out for the scene of the shooting in a Police Department automobile. First on the scene, Patrolman Schuman jumped from the automobile and found cover in the doorway of a grocery store, as bullets from Lee’s weapons struck the glass front of the store. A bullet from Lee’s rifle penetrated two large plate glass windows and wounded Patrolman Schuman in the mouth. The policeman later was rescued by other patrolmen and sent to the hospital. As Police Clerk Dillon ran to Patrolman Schuman’s side he was shot in the chest. Lee was eventually shot and killed by responding patrolmen. Both Police Clerk Dillon and Patrolman Schuman succumbed to their injuries.

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 Murphy.


More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 12 July, 1926
City, St. 635 West Lafayette Avenue
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Northwestern
Published in Fallen Heroes

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