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Officer Richard J Lear

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 21:33
Officer Richard J Lear

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

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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

Turnkey John J. Lanahan

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 20:44
Turnkey John J. Lanahan

Turnkey John J. Lanahan

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

BURGLAR KILLS TURNKEY

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

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


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


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


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


Slayer admits Robberies

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

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

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

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

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


Backs away and fires

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

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

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


Statement made by Paul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Officer Johnny LaGrone

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 20:40
Officer Johnny LaGrone

Officer Johnny LaGrone

Officer Johnny LaGrone

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

Reported in the Baltimore Sun
29 June 1984

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Devider color with motto

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

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

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch June 28, 1984
City, St. 2200 block of Tucker Lane
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Officer's Handgun
District Worked Southwestern
Published in Fallen Heroes

Officer Robert Kuhn

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 20:37
Officer Robert Kuhn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More details

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

Officer Edward J. Kowalewski

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 20:33
Officer Edward J. Kowalewski

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More details

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

Officer Frederick K. Kontner

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 20:29
Officer Frederick K. Kontner

Police Officer Frederick K. Kontner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baltimore Sun Article dated 02/11/1967 

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


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Slain Gunman was Treated at Patuxent

Newspapers reported on 27 January 1967; pg. C24    

Psychiatrist opposed release of Officers assailant

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

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

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

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

Charges dropped

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

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

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

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

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

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

Released October 19th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tangled with law at age 16

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

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

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

Two others being held

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

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

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

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Baltimore Police Department
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Devider color with motto

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

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

 

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 10 February, 1967
City, St. 2100 block of Guilford Avenue
Panel Number 59-E: 17
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Officer's Handgun
District Worked Northern
Published in Fallen Heroes

Officer William S. Knight

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 20:27
Officer William S. Knight

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

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

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

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

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 7 November, 1943
City, St. 1100 block of Rutland Ave.
Panel Number 20-E: 4
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Northeastern
Published in Fallen Heroes

Officer John T. King, Jr.

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 20:22
Officer John T. King, Jr.

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

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

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

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

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

William S. Higgins cleared in traffic accident fatal to Officer John T. King; William F. Higgins, 20, yesterday was acquitted by Judge Roland K. Adams of the charge of manslaughter growing out of the killing by an automobile of patrolman John T. King at Hoffman and Caroline streets on December 27. In the clearing Higgins, Judge Adam said he was not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the policeman was in the pedestrian lane when it.
Testimony was that Higgins had drank a small quantity of beer before the accident, and judge Adams commented on this feature of the case, saying that the trail, as in other cases, led to a Tavern. As his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department we will not let him be forgotten, His service Honored the City of Baltimore, and the Baltimore Police Department may he rest in peace, and may God bless him.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 28, December, 1936
City, St. Hoffman and Caroline Streets
Panel Number 11-W: 6
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Northeastern
Published in Fallen Heroes

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