Back to top
Go to bottom

Patrolman William L. Ryan

Friday, 01 November 2019 11:39
Patrolman William L. Ryan

 

On this day in Baltimore Police History 1940 we lost our brother Patrolman William L. Ryan to knife wounds based on the following:

14 June 1940

Sun paper reports dated  titled,
Accused Slayer Faces Mind Test

Man Held as Attacker of Policeman Slated for Quiz Today -
Witnesses say the victim was stabbed to death without warning.  Mental examinations are expected today for Joseph Abata, 37, who was being held for investigation at the Central District police station in connection with the fatal stabbing yesterday Patrolman William L Ryan. A hearing is scheduled for 9 AM tomorrow at which the results of an autopsy, performed yesterday are expected to be disclosed, Ryan, police said, was stabbed several times with a butcher knife as he approached the accused in front of the mission house (Grace and Hope Mission) in the first block of S. Gay St. to investigate a complaint that Abata was brandishing a knife

SHOTS THIS FUGITIVE

Without a word from Abata, witnesses said, he also was stabbed in the heart. He fired two shots at the flaying man before falling mortally wounded to the ground.

NEITHER SHOT STRUCK THE ASSAILANT

Ryan was pronounced dead at the Mercy hospital. He had been on the force since March 11, 1921. He was 44 years old, his wife Margaret, a son William L Junior 4 and a daughter Patricia Margaret 18 months old survived him. Abata who was captured by several firemen and citizens, lives in the 1400 block of Gulf Street he told police that he was born in Sicily, came to this country at the age of four, served in the Army and has a wife and young child somewhere in New York.  Could Judge O’Dunne have some involvement in this case too, in yesterday’s day in Baltimore Police History 1943, Judge O’Dunne set free a suspect that Killed our Brother William Woodcock, and the news reports dated 1 October 1940 entitled - “Judge O’Dunne to Help - Speed Criminal Cases - To Devote Next Week to Hearings - Will Try Hollins Market Stall Keepers” It is reported as follows;

As there are more than 500 open cases on the criminal dockets and several important cases are scheduled for trial in the next week, Judge Eugene O'Dunne has consented to devote his time next week to hearing cases in a third Criminal Court. Immediately 134 cases were assigned for trial in the third court, Including seventy-one gambling cases. Next Tuesday, Judge O'Dunne will try a number of Hollins Market stall keepers charged with violating a city ordinance.

It is interesting to note that the report ends by naming other judges slated to help with these trials - Slated for trial in the two regular Sessions of the Criminal Court presided over by Judge Edwin T. Dickerson and George A. Solter arc Neil Grant, former deputy city solicitor, and Albert E. Schmidt, former city cashier, both charged with larceny and embezzlement, .members of the Communist party charged with perjury, and John Joseph Abata, accused of killing a policeman. 

Could it be, could the same Judge that would free a Police Killer four years later in the Woodcock case, free this killer… while the above reports make it appear as though this would be the case, the following reports say, “NO!” Judge Edwin T Dickerson, heard this case and freed this defendant, or at least it would seem as though he was freed, he was sent to Shepard Pratt, and then off to a New York Mental Institution (For the record, I did a little research on nut houses of the 40’s… which while it may sound like a category on Jeopardy, they were no game… more like horror houses. It may have been best for a police Killer to have spent the rest of his life in one of these places. After all our brother did nothing more that answer a call, a call made by concerned citizens, citizens concerned for their safety. Officer Ryan, wanted to make the streets safer, rid them of people like Abata, and he did… Adata was never able to walk the streets or harm anyone again, what follows are the final reports on this case in which it says, “Abata Acquitted in Knife Slaying”. And continues, Man Who Killed Policeman Is Declared Insane and Likely to Remain So - Described as Suffering from Delusions, Believing People Are “Out To Get Him” Reported 9 October 1940; Joseph John Abata, 38, yesterday was acquitted, by reason of insanity of the charge of fatally stabbing patrolman William L Ryan last June 13 at Baltimore and gay Street.

Judge Edwin T Dickerson who rendered the verdict, said he based his conclusion on the testimony of two mental experts who testified that in their opinion Abata was insane at the time of the crime, insane now and likely to remain insane.

TAKEN TO SPRING GROVE

Abata immediately was taken to the Spring Grove state hospital pending efforts to have the defendant placed in a mental institution in New York where Abata was a resident until shortly before the murder. Dr. Manfred S Guttmacher, medical advisor to the supreme bench, said it is customary to put mental patients in an institution in the state where they maintained residence. The stabbing occurred when patrolman Ryan, who was investigating a report of a man who was wielding a knife was attacked and stabbed several times by Abata.

DELUSION DESCRIBED

Patrolman Ryan was unable to defend himself, the attack was so sudden and violent, but he succeeded in drawing his revolver and firing to wild shots after Abata threw him to the ground. He was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

Dr. Guttmacher and Dr. Arthur a Luttrell assistant superintendent of the Shepherd Pratt Hospital, testified that Abata suffered from delusions and behavior that people were "out to get him" it was because of this delusion that he carried a knife, they said.

SERVED IN THE ARMY

Dr. Guttmacher said the defendant had served several Army enlistments and acted in an orderly manner before the stabbing, when he began to suffer from a mental disorders. He said a bot a believed himself and inventor and thought people were attempting to steal his inventions. Abata was represented by Charles C DiPaola, attorney appointed by the court.

It has been reported above but bears repeating, Our Brother William Ryan was survived by his wife, 4 year old son and 18 month old daughter. He is gone, but will never be forgotten. Killed at a time when his family was only give 1 year salary to bring up those kids, his wife was quite the hero too. God Bless him, and may he Rest in Peace.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 13 June, 1940
City, St. 1400 block of Gulf Street
Panel Number 12-W: 10
Cause of Death Knife
District Worked Central
Published in Fallen Heroes

Officer Donald W. Sager

Friday, 01 November 2019 11:34
Officer Donald W. Sager

 

Officer Donald W. Sager

On this day in Baltimore City Police History 24 April 1970, we lost our brother Officer Donald W. Sager to gunfire based on the following; Officer Donald W. Sager, assigned to the Central District, was shot and killed on Friday, April 24, 1970, while working in the 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue. In Officer Sager’s car was his partner Officer Stanley Sierakowski, who was shot and seriously wounded. As Officers Sager and Sierakowski were seated in the car, the suspect shot through the back window, striking Officer Sager in the back of the head, killing him instantly. Officer Sierakowski was then shot 5 times with a .45 caliber pistol. The suspect’s sole motivation was to ambush a police officer. The suspect was a militant member of the Black Panther Party. 

sager1

Sunpaper Photo taken by Photographer Irving Phillips
25 April 1970 Captioned:  Shell Casings Found
Arrows point to three shell casings found on Myrtle Avenue 
Two police officers were ambushed about 10 o'clock last night by members of the Black Panthers

City Policeman Shot Dead; Second Wounded Officer's Body Found Beside Car
A massive search begun in West Baltimore three suspects held, one policeman was killed in the second was critically wounded last night in a shooting in the 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue in West Baltimore. Police identified the victim as Patrolmen Donald W Sager 35 who did with the city police force about 17 years patrolman Stanley Sierakowski 40 with reported in critical condition at Maryland General Hospital. Police said the shooting occurred about 10 PM. Within minutes, more than 40 other policeman and 14 marked and unmarked cars flooded the area seal it off and began an intensive house to house and rooftop search three suspects arrested. Shortly afterward, the rest of three suspects was reported. Police said they found two men hiding under some steps in the vicinity of the shooting. They were taken to central district police station. The third suspect, found in a vacant lot near the scene of the shooting, was taken to Provident Hospital, although he was not reported to be wounded. The Commissioner Donald D Pomerleau and 12 homicide detectives appeared at the scene, and that the two hospitals within a half-hour of the shooting. The police reported that the two patrolmen had been called to a home in a 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue to handle a domestic disturbance. Haven't taken care the disturbance. They returned to their car and was then that the gunman or gunmen started shooting at the policeman. Police reported that patrolman Sergio ASCII was found in a gutter between the police car and the sidewalk and patrolman Sager was inside the car. With at least three suspects in custody by midnight, police centered their search around a two-block area near the corner of shields place and motor Street, where one patrolman fought a gun duel in an alley with a suspect.

Searchlight is Used 
The fire department set the truck with a high power searchlight to illuminate the rooms of buildings in the area. At least half of the houses are vacant and the police were breaking into them to search for more suspects. The shooting match between the patrolman and the suspect happened within five minutes of the shooting on Myrtle Avenue and only about a block away. Patrolman Roger Nolan of tactical squad reported that he was driving in the area when he saw a man running along Fremont Avenue. He had of his car and chased the man into an alley where the suspect turned and fired six shots at him, patrolman Nolan returned six shots and gave Chase again, but he said he tripped over some garbage cans and lost a man. Attorney Richard Rosen, the lawyer refused to say it, the three defendants arrested in this shooting were Black Panthers. Sources close to the investigation said the panther party was not implicated in the shooting. The third suspect was arrested shortly before midnight Saturday at the main post office where he is a clerk. He was identified as Marshall E Conway, 24. Police searched his home. The 40-hour block of Argyle Avenue. They said they recovered no weapons all three defendants are charged with murder and as a result, with intent to commit murder in the death the patrolmen Donald Sager and the wounding of patrolman Stanley search Sierakowski, 42 preliminary hearing yesterday for the defendants were postponed until 3 PM today in Central Municipal Court. Mr. Rosen, the lawyer for the Black Panthers represented Jack London 25 of the 1700 block of N. Asquith St. at 1 PM session in central Municipal Court lawyer was a company by two men who identified themselves as Black Panthers. The two were not dressed in familiar paramilitary panther garb. Judge Joseph L Broccolino Junior allowed Mr. Rosen and one of the men who identified himself as William P coats of the 1100 block of Cherry Hill Rd. to remain in the hearing, which was closed to all spectators but the press. Mr. Coates said he was the closest friend. He Mr. Johnson has. After several urgent nods for Mr. Coates, the defendant accepted. Mr. Rosen as his lawyer, Mr. Rosen then volunteered. I'm not guilty. Although such a plea is not made at a preliminary hearing. Earlier in the day. The other two suspects, Mr. Conway and James Powell 33 of the 1400 block of N. Mount St. appear before Judge Broccolino any in a court session that also was cleared of all spectators but the press. Mr. Conway also is charged with assault with intent to commit murder in the running gun battle with the patrolman who had gone to investigate a shooting. Police said that shortly after the 10 PM shooting patrolman Roger Nolan traded pistol shots with a man in a nearby alley patrolman Nolan was not wounded.

Dead on Arrival
Patrolman Sager and patrolman service allow key were shot in a hail of bullets as he sat in his patrol car on a 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue, where they had gone to investigate a domestic complaint patrolman Sager had a bullet in his brain and right hand was pronounced dead on arrival at Provident Hospital. Patrolman sellers aroused. He was in the air conditioned yesterday at Maryland central hospital with four wounds to the stomach and wounds to both hands

Devider. black

Officer Sager had served with the agency for 12 years. He was survived by his wife and child. Though he is no longer with us, we his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department won’t let him be forgotten. RIP Brother…
On this Day In Baltimore Police History 1970, we lost our Brother Officer Donald W. Sager to gun fire based on the following:

On 24 April 1970 Police Officer Donald W Sager assigned to the Central District, was shot and killed while working the 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue. In Officer Sager’s car with him was his partner Officer Stanley Sierakowski, Officer Sierakowski was also shot and seriously wounded.

As Officers Sager and Sierakowski were seated in their radio car, an unprovoked member of the Black Panthers (Marshall “Eddie” Conway) snuck up from the rear of their car and began shooting through the back window at them. His first rounds struck Officer Sager in the back of the head killing him instantly.

Officer Sierakowski rolled out his door in an attempt to escape the attack, and shoot the suspect… however, he too was shot. In fact, when the smoke cleared it was learned Officer Sierakowski would end up taking 5 rounds from that .45 caliber pistol. The suspect’s sole motivation was to ambush, and kill police.

During the early 70’s the heat of the 1968 riots was still brewing and was far from cooled down… African American groups like the Black Panthers were killing police at an alarming rate, often unprovoked. Either through fake calls to the police drawing officers to areas where they were set up to be ambushed, of just by following them around and waiting for them to let their guard down… stop for a bite to eat, a car stop, etc.

When an officer wasn’t looking, or least expecting it; he would be attacked. And it wasn’t just white police, the Panthers considered all police their enemy, and they would shoot a black officer as quick as they would a white officer… In fact, during that time in our history, black officers had it pretty rough, they were not excepted by the white community, and they were shunned by most of the black community.

It was a confusing time, a time when a man could be shot for no other reason that wearing a uniform, the Black Panther in question wasn’t being chased, wasn’t wanted by the officers.. had never been arrested by the partners.. they just happened to have been wearing a uniform at a time when the Black panthers wanted to shoot and kill police.

This year is more than 4o years since the suspect took the life of a Baltimore Police Officer he was set free - After being behind bars for more than 40 years, a man convicted of killing a police officer is a free man. Marshall “Eddie” Conway – a former member of the Black Panther Party – who killed a man just because he wore the uniform of a police officer. He was released from prison Tuesday. Civil rights activists say it’s a big win, but a big win for who.. the officer was sitting in his car, with his partner preparing paperwork when they were ambushed via an unprovoked assassination by no less than four members of the Black Panther Party. So while some fist bumps, and throw their fists in the air, others are upset that a cold blooded murder is walking free.

Eddie Conway was convicted of killing Baltimore City police officer Sager in 1970 but civil rights activists say he didn’t get a fair trial. For the first time in more than 40 years, Marshall “Eddie” Conway walks free. Conway was convicted of the 1970 murder of Baltimore City police officer Donald Sager. Sager and his partner were ambushed by three gunmen while responding to a domestic disturbance call in West Baltimore. Conway was a leader in the Black Panther Party, a controversial militant organization. He’s always claimed he was framed for the crime. While his conviction stands, Conway was re-sentenced to time served after he challenged whether the jury in his case was given proper instructions. But officials with the Baltimore City police union say they are troubled by Conway’s release. “It’s a difficult thing to learn after all these years that he’s not going to fulfill the sentence he was given, which was death,” the vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police told WJZ’s media partner, the Baltimore Sun. Conway’s supporters say they understand the frustration. “I can understand them saying that because they lost one of their partners. They lost one of their members,” Hill-Aston said. Officer Sager’s family has also expressed frustration over the years with the push for Conway’s release. Under an agreement, Conway will be on supervised probation for the next five years.

I can only say I am sorry to the Family of Officer Sager, and to the memory of Officer Sager... I am sorry we couldn't have done better to make sure your killer would stay in jail where he belongs. I am sorry we don't do more to promote police to the public in a way that would have them understand what it would be like without police. I think we need to do more rallies, hang more posters to make the public know of the sacrifices you, and others made.

Devider. black

Panther Role Admitted

Newspaper reports of the Times; May 25, 1972; pg. D24

Murder case defended sites party orders

Jack Ivory Johnson Jr., The third Black Panther Party member to go on trial for the ambush slaying of a policeman, told police in a statement admitted into evidence in criminal court yesterday that he was sent on the killing mission on orders of the party.

“When Black Panthers are told, they are to do a job, no questions are ever asked; they just have to go and do it,” Mr. Johnson was quoted as saying by Detective Lieutenant Thomas J. McKew, of the police department’s Homicide Division.

Two other party members already have been sentenced to life in prison, plus consecutive terms in the slaying of Patrolman Donald Sager, 35, and the near fatal wounding of Sgt. Stanley Sierakowski, then Patrolman, in April 1970 [24 April 1970 - We lost our Brother Police Officer Donald W. Sager]

A Fourth Man Mentioned

For the first time since the trials began, mention was made of a fourth man by Mr. Johnson in his statement. The fourth man, Mr. Johnson statement said, carried a sawed-off shotgun, but apparently did not fire it.

Mr. Johnson of the 1700 block of N. Asquith St., told Lieut. McKew that his role in the shootings was to make sure that the policeman nearest the microphone in a departmental cruiser did not call for assistance.

Mr. Johnson declared that he merely fired two shots in the air from his 32 caliber pistol, because after he had seen all the shots fired at the officer by the other men, he “did not have the heart to just kill the pig,” the jurors and the Judge J. Harold Grady’s courtroom were told.

Testimony disclosed that patrolman Sager was killed by bullets that struck him in the head and chest and that Sgt. Sierakowski received several 45 caliber gunshot wounds from which he recovered.

The two men were sitting in a parked police car in the 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue making out a report on a domestic complaint when they were felled by a barrage of shots from behind their car.

Lieut. McKew quoted Mr. Johnson is saying at the outset of the verbal statement that, “you’re not going to get me for killing anybody because I fired my gun in the air.”

“If I had did what I was supposed to do you would never have caught me,” Mr. Johnson was further quoted as saying.

Ask what he was supposed to do, Mr. Johnson replied that, “it was his job to see that the police officer did not get to the mic,” the Lieut. testified.

The defended in his statement asserted that he and James E Powell, 35, who already has been convicted, or on the east side of the city when they received a call to come to the west side where they were notified they had a “job to do” and to make sure they had gloves and firearms.


Devider. black

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 24 April, 1970
City, St. 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue
Panel Number 21-W: 3
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Central
Published in Fallen Heroes

Patrolman George C. Sauer

Friday, 01 November 2019 11:25
Patrolman George C. Sauer

 

Patrolman George C. Sauer

On this day in Baltimore City Police History 18 April, 1915, we lost our brother Patrolman George C. Sauer to gunfire based on the following:

SHOT DOWN BY GUNMEN

April 10, 1915

The Sun (1837 – 1987) Page 16

Shot Down by Gunmen
Policeman Sauer Badly Wounded in the Early Morning Battle
Fusillade in Highlandtown

Running Fight Started When New Yorker and Philadelphians Were Ejected From Saloon

Patrolman George C. Sauer, of the Eastern district, was shot in the stomach by gunmen yesterday morning, following a running battle between the gunmen and a gang from Highlandtown, in which more than a dozen shots were fired. Sauer was unconscious for eight hours, and when revived he was found to be too weak to allow any deposition to be taken.

Three hours after the encounter three men had been rounded up on the charge of shooting Sauer, and the confession was obtained from one that he shot Sauer.

The prisoners were:
David Bender, alias Daniel Martell, alias kid Bender, 22 years old, 344 S. 3rd St., New York.
James Miller, alias Slim, alias Harry Martin, 23 years old, 1722 N. 8th St., Philadelphia
Joseph Grose, 25 years old, 2543 Jessop St., Philadelphia.

Bender Admits Shooting
Bender and Miller were directly charged with the shooting. Grose was held as a state's witness. Bender admitted shooting the patrolman. He said he fired at Sauer, thinking he was one of the gangs from Highlandtown that were chasing them.

Within 30 minutes after Bender and Miller were arraigned on the shooting charge, they were identified by Charles M. Budd, 1314 N. Broadway, as the pair who held him up near his home early Thursday morning, as told exclusively in the son yesterday. A watch bearing the initials “C. M. B.” Led to the summoning of blood to the station. The watch was found in their room at O’Hara’s hotel, N. Liberty St. Bender readily admitted he and Miller held up Mr. Budd.

Sauer was wounded soon after he had gone on duty, at four a. M. He was in Baltimore Street and Milton Avenue when he heard shots beyond the Eastern and of Patterson Park and hail of a passing taxicab, which had just come from Highlandtown, and ordered the chauffeur to take him to the scene.

He stood on the Wanting board as the auto sped East, and Ed Decker Avenue he saw three men run to the corner.

The men fled as a taxi stopped, and soured leaped from the running board in pursuit. They turned into a small alley running east and west from Decker Avenue, and as Sauer ran after them two of the three swung around in their steps and fired. Three shots were fired.

One of the balls and struck Sauer in the stomach, but did not hold him, for he ran forward about 8 feet and seized one of the men. It was only then that he realize he had been shot and, crying for assistance, he pressed down on his prisoner and bore him to the ground, with his knee jammed on the man’s chest. The chauffeur, Larry Purcell, 204 North Pine St. ran to his aid.

Chauffeur Helps Sauer
“Oh, I’m shot! I’m shot; hold him!” Cried Sauer.

Joseph Jasckoliski, a park patrolman, ran from his home to Sauer’s side, but when he saw Purcell helping hold the prisoner he started after the fleeing pair. Then disappeared around the corner of the second alley, and Jasckoliski emptied his pistol to attract other policeman.

Detective Lawrence King, of headquarters, ran from his home nearby a moment later, and also Frank link a former wrestler, 20 North Decker Ave. Then hurried to Sauer, and the policeman was placed in Purcell’s taxi and taken to St. Joseph hospital.

A report of the shooting of Sauer was telephoned to Detective’s headquarters, thence to all the stations, and detectives Hogan and Kahler went to Highlandtown to pick up the lines of the case. They found the Eastern neighborhood for a mile around aroused by the shooting, and there were wild stories of a running gunfight in Highlandtown that preceded Sauer’s wounding and withdrew him to the scene.

This brought them to the club, a saloon at Eighth Street and Lombard Highlandtown, where they learn to the three men had been ejected from the place about 20 minutes before Sauer was shot. Descriptions were obtained, one of which tallied with the man captured by Sauer. This was Grose.

These descriptions were wired around the city to the entire force, and within two hours sergeants Wortman and Kelly and patrolman Sedicum, of the Western district, had arrested Bender and Miller in their room at the O’Hara hotel.

The pair were furious over their arrest, and expressed their regret that they hadn’t finished “the other guy,” Sauer.

They told the sergeants they were lucky the gunmen had not seen them first when they approach their room. Two loaded pistols were found under the pillows of Bender and Miller’s bed and when the two were about to be taken from the patrol to the station a black mask was found on the patrol floor, where one of the pair had dropped it.

Met Grose in City
In effect, Bender statement was that he and Miller met Grose at the Raleigh Hotel at about 8 o’clock Thursday night. Grose was in town was to show of Thurston, the magician. They spent the evening together in the city until about 1 AM when they went to “Scotty” Pugh’s saloon, 1 S. 8th St., Highlandtown.

Shortly after 3 o’clock they left pews and went to the club, next door, where an altercation arose between them and the club employees, and they were hustled into the street. Bender said a mob of nearly 20 men followed them, and a volley of bricks and bottles force hurled at them.

“Benny” Franklin, proprietor of the club, said the three went into the place sometime before 4 o’clock and order drinks.

“I’m looking for ‘Sammy’Harris,” said Bender.

“I can’t give you any drinks,” said the waiter, “you’re under age.” Bender, while heavy – set, has an extremely useful face.

“What’s that?” Cried Bender. “Do you know who I am? I ‘Kid Bender.”

“Well, you can have any drinks, the boss says,” replied the waiter.

“Well, tell your boss to bite his neck,” cried Bender. “Tell him all give him one of these pills.” “He pulled out a 38 caliber at that” said Franklin, “and shoved it under my waiter’s nose. A couple of the other men came up just then and grabbed this Bender and the others and fired them down the steps.”

Stolen Watch in Room
Bender and Miller declared to the police that they had come on from Philadelphia “to look things over on a chance.” A search of the room, where they were arrested, resulted in the finding of Mr. Budd’s watch, and later information was obtained that the two had police records. 22 cartridges were also found in the room. Bender, known to the Philadelphia police as a pickpocket, served time for highway robbery there, while Miller served time for shoplifting.

Patrolman Sauer is 55 years old. He has been on the police force since 1898 and bears an excellent reputation. He has a wife and four children – three daughters and a son.

Devider. black

HOPE FOR POLICEMAN

Apr 11, 1915

The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 11

Hope for Policeman

Sauer, Shot Early Friday, Reported Holding His Own.

His Deposition Not Taken

Bender, One of The Men Held For Shooting, Was Paroled In This City And It Had Just Expired.

Patrolman George C Sauer, of the Eastern district, who was shot in the stomach by gunmen early Friday morning in the Eastern city limits, was reported yesterday to be holding his own at St. Joseph’s hospital.

Dr. Frank C Kirby, of the hospital staff, has expressed the opinion that he may be able to save his life.

One Sauer regained consciousness Friday afternoon an effort was made by Capt. Zellers, of Eastern district, to have Dr. Kirby grant permission to allow a deposition to be gotten from the wounded patrolman, and also to have Sauer identify kid Bender and slim Miller, the gunmen. The surgeon said it would be perilous.

“It would likely excite Sauer,” said Dr. Kirby.

Promises Statement Later
Dr. Kirby however promised that the Capt. that if Sauer should lose strength again and reached the point where he was doomed he would immediately notify the police that the necessary deposition and identification could be obtained

Bender and Miller were put through a strenuous grueling at the Eastern district police station late Friday night by state’s attorney Broening in a move to ascertain the real records of the two. One result was the identification of Bender as paroled prisoner from Judge Elliott’s court. The parole expired last month. The charge was larceny.

The two men showed the result of their growing and their increasing anxiety yesterday when they were taken to headquarters to be “mugged” and Bertillonized. Bender had lost something in his jauntiness. Which amazed everyone Friday.

Sends for His Father
This jauntiness apparently remained with the boy till the states attorneys siege began, and was evidenced in a telegram he sent to his mother. The message read:

“am in trouble; have popped come on as soon as possible. 2nd°. But don’t worry. Here’s a kiss.”

Pending the outcome of patrolman Sauer’s wound, Miller and Bender were arraigned before justice Smith on the charge of attacking and holding up Charles M. Budd, 1314 N. Broadway, Thursday morning, a day previous to the shooting. Budd was seized by the throat by Bender and struck in the face while the other seized his watch and chain and diamond stickpin.

Both Held on $5000 Bail
Bender admitted the charge and the magistrate held each man on $5000 bail on that count.

Both men will be kept in jail without bail on the charge of suiting patrolman Sauer a tentative hearing has come granola mortality get that been set for April 23

Devider. black

PATROLMAN SAUER SINKING

Apr 12, 1915


The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 12

PATROLMAN SAUER SINKING

Police Officer Shot: By Gunman Reported Much Worse

Patrolman George C. Sauer, of the Eastern district, who was shot by gunmen following a running street fight between the gunmen and a Highlandtown gang early Friday morning, developed a

Severe vomiting spell last night and the surgeons feared that he would not live through the night an effort was made to have the two gunmen, Harry Bender and "Slim" Miller, released from jail temporarily that they might be taken before Sauer for identification, but it was found impossible to get the prisoners before this morning. Sauer passed a good night. Saturday and seemed to have gained slightly in strength during the day. Detective C. A. Kahler received a telephone message from Robert D. Cameron chief of detectives of Philadelphia, that Bender is not only wanted there for shooting a man in a poolroom brawl but that he attacked a policeman who interfered, taking from him his pistol after a stiff fight. It is believed that one of the pistols that Bender and his alleged pals used here is that taken from the Philadelphia policeman. Arthur Keller, 21 years old is the Philadelphian Bender is alleged to have shot through the mouth during the brawl in the poolroom. He is in a serious condition in a hospital.

Marshal Carter said he did not expect to deliver Bender to the Philadelphia authorities on warrants that they will bring here today for him on charging that he shot Keller and pocketed the policeman's pistol. "We have obtained a confession from Bender that it was he who fired the shot that wounded Patrolman Sauer and we will try him here as soon as the officer is able to leave the hospital and appear in court against him. It will be the same with the other two men under arrest. We will try them here unless, we find serious charges are being held against them in other cities."

Devider. black


GUNMAN'S SHOT FATAL

Apr 19, 1915

The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 12

GUNMAN'S SHOT FATAL

Patrolman Sauer Dies Of Wound At St. Joseph's Hospital.

WIFE AND CHILDREN PRESENT

End Comes Suddenly and Officials

Are Too Late To Get Statement

Of'. Attack On Him April 9,

Patrolman George C. Sauer, of the Eastern district, shot by a gunman on 9 April, died last night at St. Joseph's Hospital.

His death came suddenly. A rapid turn for the worse was noticed about 8 o'clock and a hurry call was sent to the police. Captain Zellers, with Sergeant Roche and Justice Smith, hurried to the hospital to obtain Sauer's deposition, but the patrolman had become unconscious in the meantime. He died at 9.30 - Mrs. Sauer and Sauer’s four children, George V. Sauer and Misses Clara A., Regina and Helen C, Sauer, were with their father when he expired. One of the daughters collapsed and was carried from the room. Sauer had a previous sinking "spell last Tuesday and the gunmen, "Kid" Bender and "Slim" Miller, of New York City, together with the· companion of the gunmen, David Grose, New York where hurried to Sauer's bedside for identification. He refused, however to make a dying deposition", declaring stoutly and persistently that he would recover, and it was unnecessary for him to make such a statement.

Shooting was Spectacular
Sauer's shooting was one-of the most spectacular in the department's history. He had been on duty only a few minutes, when at 4:15 in the morning he heard a fusillade of shots, from the Eastern city limits. Sauer "·as then at Patterson Park avenue and Baltimore streets, and he hailed a passing taxicab, standing on the running board ordered the chauffeur, Larry Purcell, to hasten to the location of the shooting.

At Decker Avenue and Baltimore Street he found three men standing on the corner, consulting excitedly... The men darted up Decker avenue as the taxicab slowed up and Sauer leaped to the street and started his pursuit. The trio dodged into a small alley running off from Decker Avenue, and as the patrolman turned into the alley after them one stumbled. Sauer pounced on him, and a moment later one of the other pair turned and fired at the policeman. Sauer fell across the body of the fallen man, but; despite his injury, held on to him. Others were soon attracted to the spot but the fleeing pair escaped. Sauer cried for aid; saying he was shot, and he was hurried to the hospital in a Taxicab.

Two Arrested; Bender Confesses
Two hours later the two fugitives Bender and Miller were arrested in O'Hara's Hotel, North Liberty Street, by Western district officers. Bender confessed to shooting the patrolman and signed a confession to that effect. His explanation was that he, Miller, and Grose had been thrown from the Club Cafe in Highlandtown, following an argument that resulted when Bender was refused service on the ground that he was not of legal age.

A running fight with a Highlandtown gang ensued, and Bender claims he thought Sauer was one of the pursuing gang when he jumped from the taxicab. Bender and Miller will be brought from jail today to await the action of the coroner's jury, which will meet tonight at the Northeastern Police Station. They will be arraigned tomorrow on the charge of murder for no matter what the result of the inquest is, the Police will press this charge against them.

Devider. black

PENSION FOR POLICEMAN'S WIDOW

Apr 30, 1915

The Sun (1837-1987);pg. 9

Pension For Patrolman’s Widow

The Police Board on Wednesday awarded a pension of $10.a week to the wife of Patrolman George C. Sauer, of the Eastern district, who was shot and killed by an out-of-town gunman on 9 April 1914, Sauer died from the wound at St. Joseph's Hospital. It was on the recommendation of Deputy Marshal Samuel W. House that the pension was Awarded for life to the patrolman's Widow.

Devider. black


TWOS SLAYERS SENTENCED

Oct 8, 1915


The Sun (1837-1987);pg. 5

Two Slayers Sentenced

Men who killed patrolman Sauer confined for 18 years

Bender’s mother collapses as he and McQuaid are led away to lock up.

David Bender and James McQuaid, whose correct name is said to be Miller, charged with the murder of patrolman George C Sauer, who was shot early on the morning of 9 April 1915, were both convicted of murder in the 2nd°. They were each sentenced to 18 years in the penitentiary, the maximum penalty. The verdict was rendered and the sentences imposed by judge bond of, before whom the case was tried this week without a jury.

“For a while.” The judge said in rendering the verdict. “I was rather of the impression that this murder must be held one of 1st°. I see the difficulty on this point with the state's attorney seems to experience. There is a margin of doubt which in my opinion saves the prisoner from a verdict of murder in the 1st°, but it seems to be a very wide margin. With men of this age I’m especially relieved to find that the verdict of a lesser degree. I find each of the prisoners guilty of murder in the 2nd°.”

Harry B. Wolf, attorney for the defense, called the court’s attention to the fact that his client had been in jail six months awaiting trial.

Sent to the Penitentiary for 18 Years

“I think,” the judge replied, “this is a very sad case. Each prisoner will be sentenced to 18 years in the penitentiary.”

Instantly there was excitement in the courtroom. As Bender and McQuaid were started toward the courtroom lockup, Bender exclaimed: “I want my case taken to the court of appeals.” In reply, judge bond said he had a lawyer he could attend to that.

Bender’s parents, who were in the courtroom, added to the excitement. Mrs. Bender began to scream, and can tinued her lamination until taken outside. There she collapsed. But was revived and went away sobbing. In the lockup Bender raved and threatened, while McQuaid was,.

Bender was the only one of the two who testified. He said that Bender was his correct name. That he belonged in Brooklyn New York and that he was just 18 years old. He is a fat and chubby, with an exceptionally clear complexion and a bushy mass of black hair. McQuaid, or Miller, is about the same age as Bender, but is the opposite and appearance being a lean and lanky. Both have criminal records.

Patrolman in Pursuit one Shot

Patrolman Sauer was shot in an alley north of and parallel to Baltimore Street and East of Hare Street. He died 18 April 1915. The testimony showed that he was chasing the men, who had created a disturbance at a Highlandtown bar. When he was shot. Another man named John Grose, who was with Bender and McQuaid, stumbled and fell as they ran into the alley. The wounded patrolman fell on top of and held him until help arrived.

Bender McQuaid were arrested the same morning in a hotel on N. Liberty St.

Denies assigning confession

Bender denied that he signed a typed written confession that he fired the fatal shot. He also denied Sgt. Kelly’s testimony. He said he and his companions were chased by a gang from Highlandtown, and that he fired at them when they fired at him. Denying that he saw patrolman Sauer, he said he only shot at the men who were shooting at him. Just 24 hours before the shooting Bender and his companion held up Charles Budd on Broadway and robbed him of a scarf pin and a watch.

Grose, who had been held as a witness for the state, was released when the other two were sentenced.

deviders our fallen


We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten – RIP Patrolman George C. Sauer and may God Bless You - For your service "Honored" the City of Baltimore, and the Baltimore Police Department" #BPDNeverForget

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 18, April, 1915
City, St. Decker Avenue
Panel Number 38-E: 1
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Eastern
Published in Fallen Heroes

Sergeant James L. Scholl

Friday, 01 November 2019 11:19
Sergeant James L. Scholl

 

On this day on Baltimore Police History 1953 we lost our brother Sgt. James L. Scholl to gunfire based on the following. Sgt. Scholl, 41 years old, was shot on July 20, 1953 in a pre-dawn gun battle at an East Baltimore Tavern at 1800 Broening Highway known as “Brown’s Bar” Sgt. Scholl was investigating a call about a suspicious automobile. Another officer was also wounded in the incident. As Sgt. Scholl and the other officer approached the vehicle, they were ambushed by gunfire and drawn into a gun fight. Roger Wylye was charged with the murder of Sgt. Scholl and the other gunman died on scene. Sgt. Scholl died of his injuries on August 1, 1953. He was married and the father of two daughters. Sgt. Scholl joined the department on June 1, 1942.  


Devider
POLICEMAN SHOT IN GUN BATTLE DIES

Aug 2, 1953

The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 34

POLICEMAN SHOT IN GUN BATTLE DIES

SEGEANT SCHOLL HAD BEEN WOUNDED BY BANDIT JUL 20

Sergeant James L. Scholl the 41year-old policeman, severely wounded in a predawn gun battle July 20 at an East Baltimore tavern died yesterday at City Hospitals. Sergeant Scholl, who walked into a dark storeroom and a fusillade of bandit's bullets but was able to empty his own pistol before he fell, died as the result of gunshot wounds in the stomach and pelvis.

One bandit was killed in the battle, another policeman was wounded and another gunman was seized without firing a shot after twelve policemen had converged on the tavern, in the 1800 blk of Broening highway, when an anonymous tipster reported a suspicious automobile near the establishment.

Three-Hour Operation

The Eastern· district sergeant, the father of two children, underwent a three-hour· intestinal operation immediately after the shooting Some 200 volunteer blood donors came to the hospital within a few hours after officials said Sergeant Scholl would need transfusions.

Despite the operations and the transfusions, the policeman remained in critical condition until he died. The gunman killed in the shooting was identified as Beauford Saunders, 20-year-old Cleveland Negro.

Shot ln Shoulder

The wounded policeman is Patrolman Thomas Alford, 25 who was shot in the shoulder. Since the shooting, the grand jury has presented Rodger Dennis Wyley, 20-year-old Negro of Fostoria, Ohio, on charges of assault with intent to murder

Sergeant Scholl and Patrolman Alford and with burglary at the Broening highway tavern. Sergeant Scholl was born in Baltimore, the son of the late Lieut. Mark R. Scholl, who died a few years ago after retiring from the Northeastern district. The sergeant attended public schools and was graduated from City College.

He was appointed to the force on June 1, 1942, and served !01 many years in the Central district on 9 August, 19S1, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Eastern district. He received two commendations during his twelve years ofservice. The first was in 1943 and the second on February 23 of this year 'when Col. Beverly Ober, police commissioner, cited his work In the investigation of an assault and robbery case. Sergeant Scholl according to fellow officers, is the second man in the history of the district to die as the result of wounds sustained in action.

The first man was Patrolman

Frank L. Latham, killed 29 February, 1924, according to the bronze plaque which hangs in the stationhouse on Bank Street near Broadway. A similar plaque is to be erected to Sergeant Scholl and his badge number 118, will be set in the face of the memorial. That number will never be issued again to another Baltimore policeman. The announcement of the Sergeant's death was made at the Eastern station at the afternoon rollcall. It was received quietly by his fellow officers, who left for their assigned posts in silent contrast to the usual walking and joking that accompanies the postmen to their beats. Sergeant Scholl is survived by his wife, Margaret and two daughters, Catherine. 10, and Linda, 7. The family lived at 3536 Cliftmont avenue.

Receive Tip On car

Events leading up to Sergeant Scholl's shooting were these, After the police received the tip of a suspicious auto near the tavern. Two police answered the call and were soon joined by Sergeant Scholl and another officer. The police found that a window on one side of the building had been jimmied and Sergeant Scholl crawled through it. Using flasblights, Sergeant Scholl, Patrolman Alford and the other policemen made their way down a narrow, dark hall to the storeroom in the rear of the tavern. Sergeant Scholl entered the storeroom and immediately faced a round of gunfire from someone inside.

The policemen returned the fire. It was all over in a few seconds. Scholl and Alford were wounded and the one gunman, Saunders, died on the way to the hospital. After the shooting, Capt. August K. Gribbin, commander of the Eastern commended all the men who took part in the case and said the incident was an example of "splendid teamwork."

Funeral Services

Funeral services for Sergeant Scholl will be held at 8 AM Wednesday at a funeral establishment in the 5300 block of Harford road. A requiem high mass will be held at 9 A.M. at the Shrine of The Little Flower, Belair road and Brendan Avenue. Fellow officers will be pallbearers and will form a guard of honor at the funeral. The sergeant will be buried in Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Captain Gribbin said he was deeply grieved by the death of Sergeant Scholl. "I'm sure his memory will linger long as a man of outstanding courage and bravery, "The Captain Said, "The Eastern district and the department as a whole has lost a real policeman and one of great promise. He was very popular throughout thewhole department and deserved to be for the many fine traits he possessed." We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. His service "Honored" the City of Baltimore and the Police Department - God Bless and Rest in Peace our brother Sgt. James L. Scholl

We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. His service "Honored" the City of Baltimore and the Police Department - God Bless and Rest in Peace our brother Sgt. James L. Scholl

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 1 August, 1953
City, St. 1800 Broening Highway
Panel Number 62-E: 13
Cause of Death Gunfire
District Worked Eastern
Published in Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Webster Schuman

Friday, 01 November 2019 11:17
Patrolman Webster Schuman

 

WEBSTER E SCHUMANN
59-E: 9
End of Watch: June 29, 1926
Baltimore City, Maryland, P.D.


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 29 June, 1926
City, St. Baltimore, Md
Panel Number 59-E: 9
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Rifle
District Worked Northwestern
Published in Fallen Heroes

Officer Richard D. Seebo

Friday, 01 November 2019 11:14
Officer Richard D. Seebo

 

Police Officer Richard D. Seeb

Baltimore City Police Department EOW:
Saturday, May 26, 1962 Cause: Gunfire

Officer Seebo stopped a vehicle in the 300 Block of E. 20th Street for traffic violations. As he pulled his motorcycle to the rear of the vehicle, the driver put his car in reverse and backed into the officer, throwing him to the ground. Officer Seebo went to the driver’s side window to confront the motorist. When he confronted the driver, the driver withdrew a pistol and shot him in the chest. Officer Seebo fell to the ground and the assailant shot him again in the back as he stood over top of him. Officer Seebo was married and the father of two children. The occupants of the car, Henry Ben Huff, 18, and Wallace Creighton were charged with the murder of the officer. The suspect was later arrested in South Carolina. Officer Seebo served in the U.S. Navy from August 15, 1955 to August 23, 1957.

On this day in Baltimore Police History 1962 we lost our brother Police Officer Richard D. Seebo to gunfire based on the following new reports:

Baltimore city police last night (26 May 1962) arrested one of two suspects wanted for questioning in the Saturday night slaying of Patrolman Richard B. Seebo. Only fifteen minutes before, a national alarm for the two had been sent out. The youth picked up for questioning is an l8 year old construction worker who lives in the 800 block Guilford Avenue. He was taken to the Northern District Police Station. The first definite lead in the case came after police questioned four women and two men from mid-afternoon yesterday, until just after 9 O’clock last night. These six who lived in, the 300 block East Twentieth Street, the scene of the shooting gave the officers the names of the two suspects that shot Officer Richard Seebo. 

Man Kept in Custody

One of the men questioned yesterday afternoon was kept in custody apparently for additional questioning. As described in the alarm, which went out at 9.15 P.M., both of the suspects are Negro, and one was said to be about 35 and the other 19 or 20. The older man was further described his being brown skinned with a thin build, wooly hair and visibly decayed teeth. The youth was described as being about 6 feet tall, weighing about 175 pounds with dark complexion, rough skin, small goatee and straightened hair.

Officer's Pistol Missing  

The youth arrested after the alarm went out was said to answer the description of the younger suspect given in the alarm. The national alarm stated that the wanted pair might be riding in a 1953 or 1954 four door Pontiac Sedan with white top, gray body and an outside sun shield. The two were believed to have a .32·caliber pistol in their possession and possibly Patrolman Seebo's .38·caliber revolver, which was missing. The information provided in the alarm was at variance with that which police had previously received.

It was first reported that the getaway car was a white-and-green 1955 Pontiac with a man and woman in it. May have used Officer's Gun it is suspected that Patrolman Seebo was slain with his own gun. Dr. Rudiger Breitnecker, assistant medical examiner, said the Patrolman had been shot one time-in the right lung and heart by what appeared to have been a .38 caliber gun. Reports varied on how many shots were fired by one of the men in the car.

Baltimore police, beginning at 9 A.M. yesterday, started a house-by-house, floor-by-floor check for witnesses in the neighborhood surrounding the 300 block East Twentieth street, where the 27·year-old motorcycle officer was gunned down. 

Several Persons were Questione

Immediately after the shooting, which occurred shortly after 10 P.M. Saturday, but all were released later. Of the several others questioned yesterday, only one who was picked up at 3.10 P.M. remained in custody. The fullest account of what happened was given to police by Frank Tunstall, 18, of the 400 block East Twentieth. The youth approached Patrolmen John Smith and Harry Bailey who were cruising in the 1900 block Greenmount Avenue, and told them a policeman had just been shot in the 300 block of east Twentieth. The patrolmen found the wounded officer lying on the sidewalk in front of 329 East Twentieth Street. Semi-conscious, Patrolman Seebo was lying on his side, his knees drawn up to his chest and clutched in his arms. 

Tried to Render Aid

Patrolmen Smith and Bailey turned him over and tried to render aid, and then called for more assistance. Patrolman Seebo's pencil was in his right hand, and his traffic book was lying under his right leg. His helmet was off and lying to the left of him, and his motorcycle was lying on its side two doors away at 33l East Twentieth. Young Tunstall told police he saw a car coming north on Barclay street, making a left turn into East Twentieth, its tires screeching during the turn. The mounted patrolman was right behind the car. In front or 329 East Twentieth, the car stopped and the officer pulled up to the right rear bumper. Car Backs Up the car then backed up and knocked the patrolman off his motorcycle, young Tunstall reported. Patrolman Seebo got up, walked over to the car, got the driver out of the car and started talking to him. The driver then got back into his car and started cursing. Ordered out of the car again, the man started to do so, and then a shot was fired, the witness said Patrolman Seebo then tried to pull his gun but the other man apparently took the gun away from him and fired another shot, young Tunstall said. The man then drove west to Guilford Avenue, south to North Avenue, and then cast on North Avenue, when young Tunstall lost sight of the car and went to call police, Patrolman Seebo died either on the scene or on the way to Union Memorial Hospital. He was dead on arrival at the hospital at 10.20 P.M. The patrolman, who lived in Pasadena leaves a wife, Patricia, and two daughters. Patricia Louise, 3, and Phyllis Ann, 8 months. Patrolman Seebo was the second City policeman to be shot to death in less than two months. Patrolman Harry Smith, Jr., was killed April 7, apparently while trying to break up a dice game in the 700 block West Lexington Street. Murder charges have been placed in that case.

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

 

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 26 May, 1962
City, St. 300 Blk E. 20th Street
Panel Number 8-E: 5
Cause of Death Gunfire
District Worked Motors
Published in Fallen Heroes

Patrolman James M Shamer

Friday, 01 November 2019 11:12
Patrolman James M Shamer

 

On this date in Baltimore City Police History 1946 we lost our brother Patrolman Shamer. Patrolman Shamer died while on duty due to illness based on the following Sun Paper report dated 27 June 1946

PATROLMAN SHAMER -  FATALLY STRICKEN IN CAR
Patrolman James M Shamer suddenly became ill last night while on duty in a Northern District radio car and died a short time later at Union Memorial Hospital. Northern District officers said Patrolman Shamer slumped in the seat of the car shortly after he complained of feeling badly. His companion in the car was Patrolman William Ellinghaus Patrolman Shamer is survived by a wife and one child. He lived at 5508 Frederick Avenue Patrolman Shamer won’t be found on Baltimore Police Fallen Officer Wall, or www.odmp.org but he was one of ours, and he die while working a radio car; to his family he went to work living, and came home deceased, as such he will always be remembered by us, his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department. RIP Patrolman Shamer and God Bless

27 June 1946 - Patrolman JAMES M SHAMER, - Patrolman James M Shamer suddenly became ill last night while on duty in the northern district radio car and died a short time later at Union Memorial Hospital. Northern district officers said patrolman chamber slumped in the seat of his car shortly after he complained of feeling badly. His companion in the car was patrolman William Ellinghaus. Patrolman Shamer is survived by a wife and one child he lived at 5508 Frederick Ave.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 27 June 1946
City, St. Northern District Radio Car
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death Heart Attack
District Worked Northern
Published in Fallen Heroes

Crystal D. Sheffield

Friday, 01 November 2019 11:06
Crystal D. Sheffield

 

Crystal D. Sheffield

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

On Wednesday, August 21, 2002, Officer Crystal D. Sheffield was responding to the location of Baltimore and Carey Streets to assist an officer requesting extra units. At approximately 11:30 p.m., Officer Sheffield was traveling eastbound on Lafayette Avenue, while operating a marked departmental vehicle when she collided with an unmarked police car, which was traveling south bound on Carey Street, and responding to the same location. After the accident, Officer Sheffield was transported by medics to the University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma Center. Tragically, she would succumb to her injuries on August 22, 2002. As a member of the Baltimore City Police, Officer Sheffield was the first policewoman to be killed in the line of duty.

Devider. black

Officer is killed rushing to a call

Sheffield is first woman to die in the line of duty

"A tragic loss for all of us"

Her cruiser was struck by unmarked police car

August 23, 2002|By Del Quentin Wilber | Del Quentin Wilber,SUN STAFF

Crystal D. Sheffield, a Baltimore police officer known for fearlessly running down dark alleys and being able to defuse tense domestic situations, became yesterday the city's first female officer to die in the line of duty.

Late Wednesday, as the three-year veteran responded to a call from an officer who needed help in West Baltimore, her police cruiser was struck by an unmarked police car responding to the same call.

Sheffield, the mother of an 11-year-old boy, wife of a city fire lieutenant and member of a family of police officers, died from her injuries at 11:20 a.m. yesterday at Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

"She comes from a whole family devoted to public service," Police Commissioner Edward T. Norris said as he wiped away tears at a brief news conference outside Shock Trauma yesterday morning. "It's a sad day for this department."

Sheffield, 35, is the sixth officer to die in the line of duty since Norris joined the force in early 2000. Four of the other officers also died in car crashes.

Norris was joined at the news conference by police union officials, police officers and fire officials, including Fire Chief William J. Goodwin Jr.

"This is a tragic loss for all of us," Goodwin said, noting that Sheffield was married to a city firefighter, Lt. William A. Sheffield. "People talk about heroes. Most days, the thing they do is show up for work. They never know what their next [call] will be."

Police said Sheffield, who was assigned to the Western District, was responding to a call about 11:30 p.m. to help an officer trying to control a dispute on a West Baltimore street corner. Sheffield was heading east on Lafayette Avenue with her patrol car's lights flashing and siren wailing as she approached Carey Street, police said.

Sheffield slowed at the intersection and began to turn right onto Carey Street when her car was struck on the driver's side by an unmarked police car going south on Carey Street. Officers Daniel Meehan and James Lester, who was driving the unmarked Chevrolet Lumina, were rushing to the same call.

Police said they were unsure how fast the cars were going, but officials believe Sheffield entered the intersection while the light was red. Sheffield, who was wearing her seat belt, suffered a severe brain injury and a broken pelvic bone.

"There was a lot of whiplash force," said Dr. Thomas M. Scalea of Shock Trauma.

Sheffield did not have any brain activity when she arrived at the hospital, Scalea said. Doctors operated twice to try to stem internal bleeding.

Sheffield's husband, son Darian and other relatives were at her side when doctors turned off life-support machines, officials said.

Lester, a two-year member of the force, and Meehan, who has been on the force for a year, were treated for minor injuries at Shock Trauma and released.

Yesterday afternoon, glass and debris from the crash covered a sidewalk near the intersection. On the sidewalk, someone had placed a dozen roses.

After news of Sheffield's death spread through the city's police districts, officers began placing black bands on their badges. Flags were flown at half-staff.

"This is something that's becoming all too common," said Gary McLhinney, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3, referring to the six deaths in the line of duty. "But it's still devastating."

Colleagues and friends said Sheffield was a meticulous and hard-working officer who loved her job. She graduated from Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School in 1984 and worked as a clerk and waitress until she joined the force in 1999 at the age of 32, joining three family members already there.

Her brother, Frederick Allen, is an officer in the community relations division, and her sister, Barbara A. Magness, is a lieutenant in the Central District. Sheffield's brother-in-law, Sgt. James F. Magness, is assigned to the department's inspections section.

Officer Robert A. Jones often worked with Sheffield, who he said could react to almost any situation arising in some of the city's roughest neighborhoods.

Jones remembered one night in July last year when he spotted fireworks exploding in an alley. He and Sheffield slipped into the darkness and arrested several youths for setting off the fireworks and selling marijuana.

"She was willing to go down that alley," said Jones, 32. "We ran into a lot of dark alleys together."

Sheffield was also able to quickly resolve most neighborhood arguments and fights between girlfriends, boyfriends, husbands and wives, Jones said.

"She was good at defusing domestic situations - you know how rowdy people can be," he said. "She was pretty good at doing that. She was compassionate and would hear people out."

Colleagues praised her professionalism and commitment.

"She was aggressive," said Lt. John J. Paradise. "She never complained. She liked to go after drugs. She was always, always, always reliable. ... She's hard to describe. She took the job seriously. She was a professional. She's going to be missed in this district."

Sun staff writer Josh Mitchell contributed to this article.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 22 August, 2002
City, St. Carey Streets
Panel Number 14-E: 23
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Western
 
Published in Fallen Heroes

Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/historydetective/public_html/portal/templates/jux_news/html/com_k2/templates/user.php on line 239
Page 27 of 50