Back to top
Go to bottom

Officer Norman F Buchman

Tuesday, 08 October 2019 21:55
Officer Norman F Buchman

Officer Norman F. Buchman

On this day in Baltimore Police History 6 April 1973, we lost our Brother Officer Norman F. Buchman to gunfire based on the follow:

Patrolman Norman Buchman 24 who was slain Friday April 6, 1973 as he investigated the man now suspected of his killing. The Monday before his killing of Officer Buchman, Sean Garland was arrested on a marijuana violation. A check of police department records revealed, Garland 23 who officials said will be charged with the slaying of patrolman Buchman was driving the same car when arrested last Monday as the police been pursuing before the shooting.

Garland's older Brother, Elvin Garland alleged yesterday that Patrolman Buchman had [picked up] his brother three times recently, taking him into the Northwest police station in each time for narcotics violations.

Arrest Confirmed -  Police officials said that they could confirm only the last marijuana arrest and knew nothing about Elvin Garland's allegation that his brother was taken to the station three times recently by the patrolman. The arrest of Garland the prior Monday was his 27th arrest since the 1968 arrest on charges ranging from disorderly conduct to assault by shooting with intent to murder. According to police records, indicating nine cases or 1/3 of his arrests result in convictions.

He was once arrested charged and convicted of Assault on police in 1969 and received a suspended sentence of 18 month. Police officials refused to locate or turn over reports in that case. At the time a spokesman said they will examine the case in the future and turn records over then.

Routine Check - After the shooting police said Patrolman Buchman was apparently making a routine "ownership" check when he stopped the 1970 Continental Garland was operating. Police said that patrolman Buchman notified communications to saying, "I'm in pursuit of a vehicle." Moments later officers in the area of the Northern District heard reports of gunfire which led them to Officer Buchman.

As they pulled up the officer was found shot in the head on the side walk in the 2500 block Quantico Avenue, Park Heights-Pimlico area. Suspect Sean Garland was arrested at the scene, police said, an autopsy report that was released 7 April 1973 said patrolman Buchman had been shot in the head six times with his own a revolver, twice in the front of his head, and four times in the back of his head. He was found lying face down.

Police officials conceded yesterday that the reason Patrolman Buchman stopped the car is unknown, "We don't know why he stopped it." Said Dennis Hill police spokesman. “I don't know what was in his mind." He said one theory is that police were investigating a group of people who allegedly “Were switching driver’s licenses." Carrying false identification for "various activities." Hill did not elaborate.

Elvin Garland said that Patrolman Buchman stopped his brother the prior Monday in the 4400 block Park Heights Avenue several blocks from the shooting on 6 April, for an “unpaid" traffic ticket.

According to police records, a search of the car uncovered a small amount of suspected marijuana in the ashtray and a suspected marijuana cigarette elsewhere in the vehicle. He was arrested and charged with a minor narcotics offense and was released on a $500 bail after paying a bondsman 10% $50.00. Records showed.

The brother claimed he saw Patrolman Buchman searching the car and when he approached." Elvin Garland said, his mother prevented his being arrested when she “grabbed me by the back of my neck and put me in her car."

This shooting occurred almost in front of the home of Mr. Garland's mothers. Dorothy L Garland, who claimed that Friday police "arrested" her son.

Ms. Garland said her son had just been released from jail, and that he was in and out of jail frequently because of harassment. (it had nothing to do with the crimes he had committed - in fact if police would ignore the crime he would've gone to jail at all).

Patrolman Buchman was eulogized yesterday by his district commander, Captain Ted Weintraub, as "A kid that didn't just do his job, he cared. He became involved in the community in a helpful positive way" The Capt. then went on to say, “rather than just chastise kids, he tried to work with them. To follow-up on their cases. He made it his business to go back and say, "hey, how are you doing? Staying out of trouble?" Captain Weintraub said, Patrolman Buchman a former army combat photographer who was wounded in Vietnam was, "Good police!" who became involved in his cases “on a human bases."

The captain was bitter over reports that Garland had a “Minor" police record. He noted Garland's convictions for assaulting a policeman in 1969. Look at the crimes, he said, that nine convictions were "for garbage" to review offences generally "the most time he ever got was 30 days for filing a false report to the police department.".

Police cars had headlights on in honor of Patrolman Buchman all day 7 April 1973, and the department announced that the lights will remain on until further notice.

Services for Patrolman Buchman were held at 10:00 AM Tuesday April 10th at the Burgee funeral establishments, 3631 falls road. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Goldberg, a two year old daughter Jennifer Buchman , his mother Edith Buchman , a sister Regina Buchman , two brothers Robert and George Buchman and a stepbrother Norman L

We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten – RIP Officer Norman F. Buchman and God Bless - For your service "Honored" the City of Baltimore, and the Baltimore Police Department"

Pressman orders probe of slaying - Pressman said last night he had ordered his "crime commission" to investigate the slaying of patrolman Norman F. Buchman to determine whether the leniency of the courts is responsible for his death.

“I want to know all the circumstances behind the non-prosecution of a charge of assault with intent to murder against the man suspected of slaying and delete fines given in various other charges involving assaults." - “I want to know whether anyone who should have been behind bars was out on the streets free to shoot a policeman" Mr. Pressman said. The chairman of the comptroller's self-appointed committee is a former deputy police commissioner Mr. Pressman said Harry D. Coffman. The committee vice chairman we'll do the legwork work this investigation

Lawyer Faces Charges of Contempt Bid Made in Probe of Police Killing - William H. Murphy, Jr., a Baltimore attorney, yesterday was given until May 4 to show cause why he should not be adjudged in contempt of the grand jury for allegedly preventing four witnesses from appearing before that jury in a case involving the fatal shooting of a policeman. The contempt citation was sought by Robert Veith, grand jury foreman, in a petition that accused Mr. Murphy of causing "interference with the grand jury process and proceedings and with the due administration of justice." Judge Marshall A. Levin signed the . order giving the attorney until May 4 to respond to the allegations, and assigned the case for hearing before Judge William J. O'Donnell in Criminal Court. Continuing investigation The actions alleged In the petition occurred in the continuing investigation of the shooting of Patrolman Norman Buchman, 24, on April 6, which ultimately resulted in the April 9 indictment for murder of Michael Sean Garland, 23, of the 4900 block Queensberry avenue.

The. grand jury alleged that on April 9. it issued subpoenas for the personal appearance of four witnesses the next day. These were identified as Dorothy Garland, mother of the accused; Beverly Garland, his sister-in-law; Nancy Dorsey, a girl friend of the defendant, and James Hughes, a friend of the accused.

The petition alleged "that after each had been served with the summons as aforesaid, they all failed to appear as required." However on April 11th the four were question by the Grand Jury concerning their FTO on the 10th and each of the charged stated.


The jurors said they learned, "All four witnesses went to Billy Murphy's officer at approx. 9:30AM on the 10th of April where they handed their subpoenas to Billy Murphy at his request, and were told by him to, "wait here!" and then he left and did not return, until after the Grand Jury had adjourned for the day. Each witness was interviewed separately and each gave a similar account as to what Billy Murphy said and what he did.

The petition charged that Billy Murphy the son of a District Court Judge "Did not disclose the whereabouts of said witnesses to anyone connected with the cause before the grand jury until after the grand jury had adjourned for the day!"

The Jury panel said it learned that on 10 April Mr. Murphy "had statements taken from said witnesses concerning their knowledge in the matter of a case pending before them and about which they were to testify."


Further it was charged that on April 11th before the appearance of the witnesses to the grand jury Billy Murphy entered into an attorney client relationship with each of the witnesses in connection with their anticipated appearances before the grand jury at least two by his own solicitation.

Officer Buchman was 24 years of age at the time of his death, and while he is no longer with us, he will never be forgotten, by us; his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department. RIP and God Bless, as we take this time to remember you on this sad day.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 6 April , 1973
City, St. Pall Mall and Quantico Avenue.
Panel Number 11-W: 12
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Officer's Handgun
District Worked Northwestern

 

 

 

 

 

Published in Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Richard F. Bosak

Tuesday, 08 October 2019 21:51
Patrolman Richard F. Bosak

Patrolman Richard F. Bosak

19 April, 1968

On this date in Baltimore Police History 18 April, 1968, we lost our Brother Richard F. Bosak to gunfire based on the following:

A convicted narcotics user shot and killed a Homicide Detective yesterday after the investigator wrestled him to the floor of a Eutaw Street Bar. The gunman died of a bullet wound in the head minutes after he killed the policeman. The convict had escaped Wednesday from a jail guard escorting him to City Hospitals for treatment. The slain policeman, Detective Patrolman Richard F. Bosak, 40, was shot three times as he wrestled on the floor of the Golden Glow Restaurant in the first block North Eutaw Street. The convict, James V. Gallaird, 29, died minutes later less than a half a block away after the slain policeman’s partner had cornered him in the Hecht Company parking lot. A parking lot attendant said Gallaird shot himself. Gallaird shot his way to temporary freedom Wednesday with a pistol slipped to him by a young woman who brushed by him and an armed guard as they were leaving City Hospitals. The City Jail inmate fired several times at the pursuing guard and one bullet harmlessly pierced the guard’s pants. Police said that yesterday shortly before 6 p.m. Patrolman Bosak and his partner in the Criminal Investigation Division’s crimes against persons section went to the Golden Glow Restaurant to check out a tip that Galliard was to meet a friend there… As the policeman and the bar owner emerged from the kitchen, Galliard and his companion broke for the door… the policeman tackled Galliard. The detective and the convict fell heavily to the floor and continued struggling. Suddenly, shots barked out. The policeman slumped down dying. Galliard freed himself, holding a long-nosed revolver in one hand and grabbing the policeman’s .38 caliber service revolver with the other.

deviders our fallen


We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten – RIP Patrolman Richard F. Bosak 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 1968
City, St. Unit N Eutaw St
Panel Number 9-W: 8
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Criminal Investigation Division

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published in Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Albert L Borrell

Tuesday, 08 October 2019 21:46
Patrolman Albert L Borrell

17 February 1919

PATROLMAN BORRELL DEAD

Albert L. Borrell, a patrolman in the Eastern District for the past five years, died last week [16 Feb 1919] at his home 1321 North Central Ave., after an illness of nine days, from pneumonia. A detail that left him wet and cold in late January gave him a cold from which he could not recover. Before long it had become worse turning to bronchitis and then to the pneumonia that took his life.

He was 32 years old and joined the Police Department on 13 February 1914 his death came two days after the fifth anniversary of his connection with the Baltimore Police Department. Last March Borrell resigned from the department to take up government work, but after a week returned to policing

Devider. black

POLICE INFORMATION 

Copies of: Your Baltimore Police Department Class Photo, Pictures of our Officers, Vehicles, Equipment, Newspaper Articles relating to our department and or officers, Old Departmental Newsletters, Lookouts, Wanted Posters, and or Brochures. Information on Deceased Officers and anything that may help Preserve the History and Proud Traditions of this agency. Please contact Retired Detective Kenny Driscoll.  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

deviders our fallen

NOTICE

How to Dispose of Old Police Items - If you come into possession of Police items from an Estate or Death of a Police Officer Family Member and do not know how to properly dispose of these items please contact: Retired Detective Ken Driscoll - Please dispose of POLICE Items: Badges, Guns, Uniforms, Documents, PROPERLY so they won’t be used IMPROPERLY.

Please contact Det. Ret. Kenny Driscoll if you have any pictures of you or your family members and wish them remembered here on this tribute site to Honor the fine men and women who have served with Honor and Distinction at the Baltimore Police Department.

 Anyone with information, photographs, memorabilia, or other "Baltimore City Police" items can contact Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. follow us on Twitter @BaltoPoliceHist or like us on Facebook or mail pics to 8138 Dundalk Ave. Baltimore Md. 21222

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

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 16 Feb 1919
City, St. 1321 N Central Ave
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death LOD Illness
District Worked Eastern
Published in Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Mathew Boone

Tuesday, 08 October 2019 21:43
Patrolman Mathew Boone

Patrolman Mathew Boone

26 January 1905 - Patrolman MATHEW BOONE,  - Cold is Too Much for Officer – Patrolman Mathew Boone, though ill went on duty but succumbed. Patrolman Boone was found in the neighborhood of Lafayette Square about 5 o'clock yesterday morning number with the cold and sent to his home, at 1402 Argyle Ave. where he died a short time later. Death was due to heart disease, believed to have been super-induced by the intense cold. Patrolman Boone, who was considered one of the most efficient officers in the Department was a member of the C Division and reported for duty at 3:4 5 o'clock yesterday morning 26 January 1905. Before leaving the station house he complained to several of the officers of feeling bad. He left with the squad of Sgt. Foster and his "beat" was in the vicinity of Lafayette Square. This is considered one of the most exposed sections of the city. For nearly 2 hours the faithful policeman patrolled his posts, while the heavy when caught up the snow and drove the wind into his face. At about 5 o'clock he was met by Sgt. Foster, who was making his rounds and the superior officer immediately notice that down wore a distressed look. He inquired what was wrong and Bill and said he was feeling ill and was very much affected by the cold. Sgt. Foster thereupon sent him home with patrolman Thomas Clark as an escort. On reaching the house patrolman Boone began to warm himself beside the stove. While a hot cup of coffee was prepared by patrolman Clark. After drinking the coffee patrolman Boone remarked to his fellow officer that he, “felt as if he was going to die,” and Patrolman Clark immediately had medical assistance summoned. But Boone lapsed into unconsciousness and expired a few minutes later. The death of patrolman Boone was a great shock to all the officers of the Northwestern District, where he had been assigned since the organization of the district in 1874. He was very popular among the men, he was 62 years old and was appointed to the police force on October 14, 1870, and sent to Western District, 4 years later he was detailed to the Northwestern. He had an excellent record. He was a member of the Odd Fellows and the Heptasophs. Patrolman Boone is survived by his widow who was formerly Mrs. Mary Doud, of Richmond Virginia and their seven children – Mrs. Harry L Amoss, of Pittsburgh, Mrs. Frank M Backwith of New London Connecticut, Misses (*3)

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 26 January 1905
City, St. 1402 Argyle Ave.
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death LOD Illness
District Worked Western
Published in Fallen Heroes

Officer Alfred Bobelis

Tuesday, 08 October 2019 21:40
Officer Alfred Bobelis

On this day in Baltimore Police History 14 Feb 1954 we lost our brother Police Officer Alfred Bobelis to an auto accident based on the following;

On February 14, 1954 Officers Alfred Bobelis, and Marvin March, were dispatched to an accident at the intersection of Hanover and Randall Streets. Upon arrival to the scene one of the drivers of the vehicles (Calvin lucky) fled the scene for lack of a driver's license, Officer Marvin gave chase. Officer Bobelis stayed back to handle the accident and to direct traffic due to the inclement weather, and low visibility. While directing traffic at that intersection Officer Bobelis was struck by an automobile that was being operated by Earl L Kirkley Sr. a 46-year Baltimore Florist living in the 3400 block of Greenmount Avenue. Officer Bobelis was struck hard enough to throw him through the air with such force that when he landed, the impact was so strong it would fracture his skull and both legs.

Officer March succeeded in catching, and arresting Calvin Lucky, and was on his way back to the accident scene when he saw that his partner had been struck and mortally wounded. Knowing his partner was probably dead and there was little he could do, he rushed him to South Baltimore General Hospital where he would be pronounced dead on arrival.

Kirkley would eventually be convicted of manslaughter, and numerous other traffic violations. He was sentenced to three years in prison.  Over the next few months he would lose several appeals to overturn his conviction, but in December of 1954, Judge Michael J Manley in criminal court noted that he had received a number of letters attesting to Kirkley’s good character, and that defense attorneys had disclosed a civil settlement approaching $50,000 had been made to the Bobelis’ family. With this, Judge Manley reduced Earl L. Kirkley’s sentence to time served, and a $1000 fine with court costs for vehicular manslaughter in the death of Patrolman Alfred Bobelis.

Officer Bobelis was survived by his wife Emma Bobelis, and their daughters, 21-year-old Constance, and six-year-old Emily.

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 14 February, 1954
City, St. Hanover and Randall Streets
Panel Number 23-E: 17
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Southern
Published in Fallen Heroes

Officer William Martin

Tuesday, 08 October 2019 21:32
Officer William Martin


CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

On this day in Baltimore Police History 10 October 1989 we lost our Brother Police Officer William Martin to gunfire based on the following:

Two Central District officers were shot, one fatally, while responding to a complaint of narcotics being sold in an apartment building in the 1500 block of Pennsylvania Ave. Officer William J. Martin, 38, a ten-year veteran, entered the building and walked up a flight of stairs to the second-floor landing where he encountered a 20-year-old suspect who shot him twice in the head, and once in the left shoulder. He died at the Shock Trauma Unit at University Hospital. Detectives believe that the suspect ran to the lower level in an attempt to escape through a rear door when he encountered Officer Herman L. Brooks, Jr., 36. The two-year veteran and the suspect exchanged gunfire. Officer Brooks was struck twice, once in the chest and the other in his left ring finger. He was treated for his wounds and recovered. The suspect was wounded in the abdomen during the exchange of shots with Officer Brooks. He was treated for his wounds and recovered. A young Rookie Officer by the name of Officer Robin Johnson took the suspect into custody as he exited the apartment from the rear doors onto the parking lot, already injured by Officer Brooks Officer Johnson was able to take the suspect into custody without further incident.

Central District officers had responded to two previous calls at that address earlier that morning, one call was a narcotics complaint, the second was for a disorderly person. A 21-year-old suspect was also arrested by officers as he attempted to escape from the building. Officers recovered a .38 caliber Colt automatic from the lower level hallway. Officer Herman Brooks, Jr.’s life was saved, the University Hospital doctors say, by the departmentally issued soft-body armor.

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



More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 10 October, 1989
City, St. 1500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue
Panel Number 37-E: 1
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Central
Published in Fallen Heroes

Sergeant James Purcell

Tuesday, 08 October 2019 11:02
Sergeant James Purcell

On this day in Baltimore Police History 24 October 1955, we lost our brother Sergeant James Purcell to gunfire based on the following

Published in Fallen Heroes

Officer Richard J Lear

Tuesday, 08 October 2019 10:51
Officer Richard J Lear

Officer Richard J Lear

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

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

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

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch October 8, 1985
City, St. York Road
Panel Number 20-E: 15
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Northern
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 34 of 50