On this day in Baltimore police history 1924, we lost our Brother Patrolman Charles L Frank of the southern district to gunfire based on the following:

From Baltimore Sun Paper Reports
Dated 21 June 21, 1924

Patrolman Shot Aiding Woman, Dies

The victim accuses Harry C Jones of Inflicting a fatal wound.

Wife to Give Statement

Husband Held without Bail for Hearing on Murder Charge

Patrolman Charles L Frank of the Southern District was shot early yesterday (20 June 1924) when he entered the dwelling at 1619 Marshall St. to arrest Harry C Jones, who died of his injuries at 9 o’clock last night.

In a disposition at the South Baltimore General Hospital five hours before he died, he accused Jones of firing the fatal shot

He entered the Jones home, he declared, at the invitation of Mrs. Jones, who would become involved in a car with her husband.

The wife gives a statement.

A written statement of the circumstances surrounding the shooting was obtained from Mrs. Jones by representative of the office of Herbert O'Connor, the state attorney.

The tragedy closely perils the fatal shooting of patrolman Frank laughed at February 29 by Leon Schmidt in the latter’s home at 511 South Collington Ave. Schmidt was serving a sentence of life imprisonment for the crime.

Tales of Deposition

Magistrate Joseph O’Donnell, Southern District, who took the dying patrolman’s deposition, said it is substantially as follows:

Patrolman Frank said he walked past Jones home at 1 AM Here Jones is quarreling, believing that nothing serious was amiss, and he did not stop. An hour later, he again approached the house. The quarrel had become violent. He entered the yard. Ms. Jones appeared at the rear door and asked him to come inside.

Shot in the Stomach

He entered, hoping to be able to pacify the man and his wife. As he stepped across the threshold, Jones reached for a pistol, which was covered by hat on the table. He fired twice. The first bullet missed its mark. The second entered Frank's stomach.

Frank staggered outside and fired his pistol several times to summon assistance. He then swooped and remember nothing more until he regained consciousness in the hospital 15 hours later.

Patrolman author McCloskey reported that he heard the shots and hastened to the scene. He summoned the police ambulance, and Frank taken to the hospital. He then entered the house and arrested Jones.

Jones is Held

An operation was performed on Frank and throughout the day, physicians said he had an even chance for life. He regained consciousness at 5 PM and made the deposition. From that time on, he remained conscious until 8, when his stepfather, John T Kennedy and patrolman, Albert C Mont, were at his bedside when he died.

Arraigned in the southern police court in the afternoon, Jones had committed to jail without bail for hearing July 20 on a charge of suiting the patrolman. The date was fixed because it was believed Frank would have recovered sufficiently to testify at that time.

In Service Six Months

His death means that inquest will be held within a few days by Dr. Otto Reinhardt, the coroner of the southern districts, and the charge against Jones will be changed to shooting and causing the death of patrolman.

Frank was 33 years old; he had been a member the Police Department only six months. During the war, he served in the Army but was not sent overseas. He lived at 53 South Carrollton Ave. with his mother, Mrs. Annie Kennedy his stepfather and a brother, George Frank

Baltimore Sun 22 June 1924

Headline

Tells of Quarrel Prior To Shooting

Harry C Jones Says Trouble with Wife over another Woman

Mate Repudiates Story

Denies account of brawl proceeding killing a patrolman called to aid her. Harry C Jones, held as the slayer of Patrolman Charles L Frank, told police yesterday that he quarreled with his wife over another woman before she summoned the policeman.

According to Jones, a story was told to Capt. John E Cooney in the Southern district, He called Thursday night at the home of a woman whom he knew immediately before his marriage to his present wife four years ago. Mrs. Jones call for him and waited outside the house, standing on the pavement for about a half hour. Jones said. When he finally joined his wife, a quarrel started which grew into violence and culminated, according to Jones a story, in her summoning patrolman Frank. The Jones home is at 1619
Marshall St.

Wife Repudiates Jones’ Story

According to the deposition of Frank, taken just before he died Friday night, he entered the Jones home at the invitation of Mrs. Jones and was shot by Jones, who used the pistol which had been hidden under a hat on the table According to the deposition, two shots were fired, the first going wild and the second striking the patrolman. Mrs. Jones yesterday repudiates her husband’s story of the origin of the quarrel. She contended that the other woman. Advanced by Jones is an unfounded attempt of his to prove that she was prompted by jealousy when she called police assistance. According to her story, Joan stopped the house to get a bunch of keys, one of which fitted his bar room. She waited outside until he came out. She said. The quarrel which followed was over another matter, she declared

Name of Woman Guarded

Beside Capt. Cooney, the southern district police, Roland K Adams deputy states attorney and Herman M Mosier, assistant state attorney, are investigating the case. Neither attorney would divulge the name or address of “the other woman” mentioned by Jones. Capt. Cooney said he did not know the name or address.

Dr. Otto M Reinhardt: coroner of the southern district, will hold an inquest into the death of patrolman Frank at 8:30 PM tomorrow

Baltimore Sun report, June 24, 1924

Headline

Jones Found Guilty by Coroner’s Jury

Man Accused of Shooting Patrolman Held for Grand Jury

Harry C Jones fired the shot that killed patrolman Charles L Frank, a coroner’s jury decided last night and an inquest was held at the southern police station. Patrolman Frank was shot Friday night when Mrs. Mary Jones called him to 1619 Marshall St. to arrest her husband. Jones declined to discuss the shooting when questioned by Dr. Otto Reinhardt, coroner. He was held without bail for the grand jury. Mrs. Jones testified that she and her husband had quarreled over possession of a key to his place of business, one light Street. Patrolman Frank was asked by Jones to stop the noise and because he failed to comply, the patrolman stepped into the house to arrest him, she said. As he walked across the room, Jones declared, “You are not going to take me,” and fired at the patrolman. Mrs. Franks declared. Patrolman author McCloskey and click men Ehrlich testified they arrested Jones near the home

The Baltimore Sun reported in July 13, 1924

Headline

case of Harry C Jones Is Set For Tomorrow

Man Accused of Killing Patrolman C. L. Frank to Be Tried By Court

The case of Harry C Jones, held on the charge of murdering patrolman Charles L Frank of the southern district, is assigned for trial tomorrow in the criminal court. On June 20, the patrolman was shot and killed. Jones was indicted June 24, the same day he pleaded not guilty. J Abner sailor's attorney for the defendant, waived the jury trial and the case was assigned for hearing before Chief Judge James girder, whose weeks as presiding judge for all the courts during the summer recess begins tomorrow. Rolling Kay Adams deputy state attorney and Herman Moser, assistant state’s attorney, will be in charge of prosecution. Patrolman Frank was shot as he entered the dwelling at 1619 Marshall St. to arrest Jones. It is dying deposition The patrolman said he entered the dwelling at the request of Mrs. Jones, who would become involved in a quarrel with her husband and Jones shot him. He will not be forgotten by us, his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department. God Bless him, and may he rest in peace

25 Dec 1905 - Patrolman CHARLES SPITZNAGLE, of the Northeastern District, was paralyzed yesterday afternoon while patrolling his post and died last night at St. Joseph's Hospital without regaining consciousness. He was walking along Central avenue, near Fairmount Avenue, when taken ill and was hurriedly taken to the hospital In the Northeastern district patrol wagon. Patrolman Spitznagle was appointed to the force on January 1, 1893. He lived at 2312 East Fayette Street and leaves a Family

Patrolman Charles W. Frizzell

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5 May 1939: On this day in Baltimore Police History 1939, we lost our brother Patrolman Charles W. Frizzell due to injuries from a line of duty assault.

Patrolman Frizzell Succumbs In Hospital

The Sun (1837–1989); May 6, 1939; p. . 17

Patrolman Frizzell Succumbs In Hospital; Was Operated On Several Days Ago; Injured a year ago When Attacked By Prisoner

Patrolman Charles W. Frizzell, of the Eastern District, died last night [Friday, May 5, 1939] at University Hospital. His condition had been serious after an operation. Several days ago, emergency calls for blood donors had been issued several times within the last two days.

Patrolman Frizzell was assaulted about a year ago as he was taking a prisoner to a police call box. His fellow-officers said the injuries that led to his death appeared at that time.

Eastern District police said, however, that they have not definitely connected the assault with Patrolman Frizzell’s death. An investigation will begin today.

Patrolman Frizzell was 41. He was appointed to the force and assigned to the Eastern District in October 1932. He had been commended at least once and was injured several times in the line of duty.

Officer Profili responded to a hold-up alarm at the Maryland National Bank at 520 Franklintown. Upon his arrival he walked up to the bank where he saw two suspects robbing the bank. He withdrew his weapon and began to give orders to them. A third suspect he did not see, shot him in the head with a .45 caliber pistol. Officer Profili was married and the father of two children. The suspects were apprehended. Officer Profili served in the U.S. Navy from March 20, 1946 to January 15, 1948.

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Patrolman Edgar Shellito

 2 DEAD, 7 HURT, SUNDAY TOLL OF MOTOR CRASHES

Motorcycle Policeman Is Killed In Collision On Annapolis Road

MAN LOSES HIS LIFE UNDER BURNED AUTO

Woman Companion Injured Badly When Car Smashes Into Pole.

A series of six automobile and motorcycle accidents in and near the city yesterday and last night resulted in the death of two men, one of them a policeman, and the injury of a woman and six men. The woman is not expected to live. Three of the accidents were caused by automobiles crashing into telephone or electric poles. Victims of said accidents

The dead men were

Baltimore Police Motor’s Officers Edgar Shellito, Southwestern Police District.

William J McCrackan, 35 years old of E Preston Street

The Injured are as follows

Serge. Thomas C. Warrick Company D, 54^th Infantry, Camp Meade, who was with Patrolman Shellito. In serious condition at the University Hospital.  Mrs. Jesse T. Moore, 32 years old, N Arlington Ave. who was with McCrackan. She is at St Agnes’ Hospital with both arms and legs broken, as well she suffers from a fractured skull. Samuel Israelson, 2141 Fairmount Ave, cut on legs. Treated at South Baltimore General Hospital. Earl Myers, 1402 Harlem Ave, Cut on both Legs Treated at South Baltimore general Hospital John Schistler, 52 years old Putty Hill, Md. Broken leg, lacerated scalp, Taken to St Joseph’s Hospital Two unidentified men were taken from the scene of the accident in which they figured in and automobile.

POLICEMAN IS KILLED

Patrolman Shellito was killed and Sergeant Warrick was injured in a collision of Patrolman Shellito’s motorcycle and the automobile of Harry M. Sawyer. Of 1147 Ward Street on the Annapolis Boulevard at Wilhelm Station, Anne Arundel County, last night. According to the Police, Shellito was on duty and was taking Warrick, who, with his wife, Mrs. Amy Warrick, had been visiting at Shellito’s home, 1036 Brentwood Ave. to Camp Meade. Sawyer and Edward E. Bell, 1140 Ward Street, who was in the automobile with him, gave all assistance possible to the victims. They then returned to the city and surrendered at the Southwestern Police Station where they were held for the action of the coroner. They told the police the crash occurred because Shellito was on the wrong side of the road. They said they saw Shellito when he was 400 feet from them and they blew their horn vigorously, but the policeman continued, and it was not long after that the machines nearly met that Sawyer found he would be forced to turn out to avoid a head-on-collision. When they turned Shellito’s cycle struck their rear right wheel ad turned their car completely around, hurling Shellito from his motorcycle and into a ditch. Warrick also was thrown from the motorcycle. The occupants of the car were not hurt.

GIRLS TELL OF CRASH

Miss Margrete Hartman, of South Register Street, and Miss Hellen Zaworski, of Bank St. witnessed the accident while standing at Wilhelm Station of the Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis. They said the motorcycle passed them, going toward Glenburnie, but a few hundred yards before the crash. Miss Hartman said the soldier, riding in the sidecar, lurched and nearly fell out, The policeman, she said, reached over and, seizing the soldier by the shoulder, attempted to pull him to an upright position. As he did this, she said, the motorcycle swerved to one side and struck the automobile. Both drivers, she said, made frantic efforts to avoid the accident, but the motorcycle hit the rear wheel of the machine. 

Find 1921 News Article HereFind 1921 News Article Here

Patrolman Francis Fullum

22 November 1872: Patrolman Francis Fullum of the Southern Force died on Friday, November 22, 1872. Based on the following: Sun Article dated November 26, 1872: Death of a policeman Patrolman Francis Fullum, for a long time connected with the police department of South Baltimore, died on Friday night, November 22, 1872, at his residence number, 42 South Oregon St., of smallpox. The deceased was regarded as a very efficient officer. During his term of service, he was instrumental in the rescue of a large number of people from drowning at the docks skirting Federal Hill. Some two or three months prior to this, his duty brought him into contact with a man delirious from the smallpox, notwithstanding the fact that the man was covered with evidence of this dreadful malady. Fullum grappled with him and succeeded in placing him in a place of safety. Fullum did not take the disease at that time but continued in the service until Tuesday, November 19, 1872, when he was confined with smallpox, which resulted in his death. His remains were interred on Saturday. (*1)

Patrolman Harry Sullivan

7 Dec 1927

1927 - 7 Dec 1927 - Patrolman Harry Sullivan, 37 years old, of Central District Police died today (7 Dec 1927) at his home 514 Hurleys Lane as a result of an attack of indigestion and heart trouble.  Sullivan was feeling ill when he went off duty Tuesday evening and reported sick last night. He had been on the police force since 14 July 1921

On this day, December 6, 1931, we lost our brother, Patrolman Howard L. Pitts, to a line of duty illness based on the following:

OFFICER STRICKEN OPENING CALL BOX

Dec 7, 1931

The Sun (1837–1989); p. . 10

OFFICER STRICKEN OPENING CALL BOX

Patrolman Howard L Pitts
Dies Victim of Cerebral
Hemorrhage

CRIES OUT FOR AID

Bystanders Run To His Side
After He Falls To Street.
Widow Survives

Patrolman Howard L. Pitts, 47, was the victim of a cerebral hemorrhage yesterday morning, just as he was opening a call box at the corner of Baltimore and Smallwood streets to ring the Southwestern Police Station. He died in the Franklin Square Hospital about a half hour later.

James Stromer, 2221 West Baltimore Street, and Norbert Smith, 2225 West Baltimore Street, who were standing across the street from the patrolman when he reached for the box, heard him cough violently and ran to his assistance as the policeman cried out to them.

When they reached his side, Patrolman Pitts had fallen to the street. Unable to manipulate the box, the two men waited until Patrolman Edward Lawrence of the Western District, on his way to duty, descended from a trolley car a few minutes later and called the Southwestern district station. Patrolman Pitts was taken in An ambulance to the hospital, where he died at 11:59 a.m. He had been directing traffic in front of St. Martin's Catholic Church, at Fulton Avenue and Fayette Street, before he was struck.

Appointed In 1913

The policeman, who was appointed to the force in 1913, had been attached since to the Southwestern District Station.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Stella Pitts, of 512 South Bentalou street, four sisters and a brother

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 27, 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 died 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, 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 his wife and one child He lived at 5508 Frederick Ave.

Patrolman John EDWARD SWIFT - Was involved in an altercation during his shift, injured so badly he had to be taken home (carried by his fellow officers) he never made back to work, he died from injuries to his spleen, some said it was a heart attack, in either case it came about as a result of the fight he had that night. All I have is it happened in 1923

 Patrolman Joseph D. Benedict 
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On this day in Baltimore Police History 13 February, 1918 we lost our brother Patrolman Joseph D. Benedict to gun fire After a series of cab hold ups, Sgt. Mann of the Northern District was making a routine cab check, pulling alongside a cab he called out to a cabbie to see if everything was alright based on the following.

After a series of cab hold ups, Sgt. Mann of the Northern District was making a routine cab check, pulling alongside a cab he called out to a cabbie to see if everything was alright. It just so happened that cabbie Michael J Kozak had in his car as a passenger the suspect police were looking for; 24-year-old Roy Arnold Wood was sitting alongside Kozak with a gun to his ribs, he ordered Kozak to refuse cooperation with the Police Sergeant, and to “KEEP GOING… KEEP GOING” The cabbie bravely double clutched causing his cab to stall, Officer Benedict quickly exited his car and approached the cab on the side away from the driver, the suspect threw open the door and fired one shot which struck the policeman just below his badge. The gunman then jumped out of the cab and fled as Sgt. Fred Mann the Patrolman’s companion, fired three shots. Police believe that the gunman was the same man who had robbed Howard Profft, a cab driver, of the 1500 block of E. Baltimore St. of his cab and $16 at about 3:30 o’clock that same morning. He had freedom for a few days, but as you will read in the following sun paper articles, he was eventually captured.

First and Article that Says it all for all of our Fallen Brothers and Sisters:

A COMMUNITY TRAGEDY

February 14, 1918

The murder of Patrolman Joseph D Benedict is something far more than the personal tragedy of his bereaved family and his intimate friends. It is a tragedy in which the entire community shares. That is because Patrolman Benedict, as he performed his fatal duty in the early morning of Friday 13 Feb 1918), embodied the law. And the law is the set of rules by which a civilized community lives-without which, by definition; it cannot deserve the description "civilized." The murder of Patrolman Benedict was a direct attack on the embodiment of the law. Such an attack cannot go unpunished, because it is a direct challenge to society. The police, we may be sure, will do their utmost to capture the murderer(s). They have a right to expect aid from any member of the community who is in a position to give it. It is to encourage such aid by the community at large that the Sun paper has offered a reward of $1,000 for the person or persons who may be responsible for the apprehension of the murderer(s).

After this the following events took place, from local newspapers of the times

MAN QUIZZED IN KILLING OF POLICEMAN

16 February 1918

Caught in elaborate police trap as girl gives tip; found armed

Police last night overpower and arrest a 24-year-old armed man in connection with the slaying of patrolman Joseph D Benedict. The man was taken in the custody at Broadway and Pratt Street at 8:30 PM to head out on a date with his girlfriend. Although he had not been entered on the police docket early this morning, he was being questioned at the detective Bureau where he was taken immediately after his arrest.

PREARRANGED SIGNAL

Leading the squad of 30 men which participated in the capture were Hamilton R Atkinson police Commissioner; chief inspector M Joseph Wallace; Capt. Henry J Chris, commander of detectives and Capt. Julie and I Forrest, commander of the northern district.

THE ENTIRE DETAIL WAS DRESSED IN PLAINCLOTHES

Key figure in elaborately arranged trap, however, was the girlfriend, who gave a prearranged signal when the man approached and spoke to her.

CROWD GATHERS

Immediately the police converged and grappled with the struggling man. A crowd of several hundred gathered almost immediately to watch as the police disarmed the man and rusting away in a private automobile. Plans for the arrest began to unfold at 6 PM when the police detectives assembled and Capt. Chris’s office for instructions. Participating for the entire homicide squad, led by Lieut. George Brian, approximate 20 detectives and several plainclothes in the northern district.

WAITED IN DOORWAYS

After being briefed, they took their post shortly after 6 o’clock. 12 automobiles were stationed strategically around the intersection, eight of them being placed at and near the corners and the others at the far end of the block. In order to be inconspicuous, the automobiles were all privately owned by individual policeman, and each was occupied by two men. Other men in the detail waited inside doorways or paced up and down the street.

SHE WAITED ON THE CORNER

The man the police had been told was to meet the girl at 830 o’clock. At 815 the girl, whose identity police declined to reveal appeared at the corner. She took up the vigil with Her back to the Goodwill industries. Capt. Chris stood waiting in the doorway, three other detectives the ordering on each of the other corners. At precisely 8:30 a young man appeared, walking south on Broadway. He was dressed in a tan garbage in topcoat, dark felt that, Brown shoes, brown pants and Red Sox.

CAPT. CHRIS DIVED

He crossed and Pratt Street to the Southeast corner there he stopped in front of the young girl. They spoke a few words. The girl then gave the prearranged signal. Capt. Chris dived from the doorway while other police rushed from their positions of concealment and from the opposite corners.

POLICE ON TOP OF HIM

In a moment they were grappling and then the man was on the sidewalk with at least a police pilot on top of him. The girl fell to the sidewalk. A woman pedestrian on the other side of the street screamed. Commissioner Atkinson and himself rushed up to help collar the man and disarmed him of a 38 caliber pistol. The captive was rushed to the nearest sedan, pushed into the back seat with Capt. Chris and Commissioner Atkinson and driven away.

SUITCASE AT STATION

At police headquarters he was searched and police took from his pockets a number of 38 caliber cartridges and a baggage check from the Mt. Royal station. Detectives took the check to the station where they recovered a cheap cardboard suitcase which contained a number of freshly laundered shirts, and unprecedented. Six dice, a blank notebook a slip of paper, bearing three telephone numbers. Capt. Chris and inspector Wallace was still questioning the man in Capt. Chris’s office and an early hour this morning. Meanwhile, police revealed that they had been covering a house on 33rd St. since Saturday morning. The man taken in the custody was said to have occupied a room there. Commissioner Atkinson and said that a discharged 38 caliber shell was found in the room which had been occupied by the tenant. Northern district police early this morning were still holding a 25-year-old man who had been arrested Saturday morning at his Mosher Street address. His 17-year-old wife, arrested at the same time, had been released a few hours after the arrest.

THREW OPEN DOOR

Patrolman Benedict was shot about 4:30 AM Friday on 33rd St. near the Alameda by a passenger in a taxicab which was approaching to investigate, a short time after another cab had been held up in the same general vicinity. As the patrolman approach to the cab on the side away from the driver, the passenger – who was sitting in the front seat – threw open the door and fired one shot which struck the policeman just below his badge. The gunman jumped out of the cab and fled as Sgt. Fred man the patrolman’s companion, fired three shots. Police believe that the gunman was the same man who had robbed Howard proof, a cab driver, of the 1500 block of E. Baltimore St. of his cab and $16 at about 330 o’clock that same morning.

FORCED FROM CAB

Proved picked the bandit up at St. Paul and center streets and at St. Paul and Mt. Royal Avenue felt the gun pressed into the back of his neck. After driving the bandit around for some time in the Guilford area the cab driver was forced from the cab at Calvert and 13 streets. The abandoned  cab with recovered at Guilford avenue and 20th St.

“KEEP GOING, KEEP GOING”

At about 4 o’clock that same morning, a man hailed a cab driven by Michael Kozak at North and Guilford avenues, and asked to be driven to Loch Raven Boulevard and 33rd St. As the cab reached 33rd and the Alameda the police car drew alongside it and the Sgt. Mann called: “is everything all right cavity?” At that point Kozak said the passenger forced a hard object in his ribs and told him to “keep going keep going” But all turned ugly engaging and disengaging the clutch, Kozak was able to stall his cab and Patrolman Benedict got out of the police car and approached the cab.  As he approached the door the gunman removed his pistol from the cab his ribs and threw open the door and fired three shots at the Patrolman.

WIFE AND THREE CHILDREN

Patrolman Benedict was appointed to the Police Department in 1941 and has received four commendations from the Meritorious Service Board. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Donald 14, Thomas 11 and Robert three his wife is expecting another child. Funeral services will be held at 8:15 AM tomorrow and a funeral home in a 900 block of N. Chester St. and the burial will be in holy Redeemer Cemetery, a requiem mass will be offered at 9 AM at St. Wenceslaus’s Catholic Church. Patrolman of the Northern district, to which Benedict was assigned, was service pallbearers.

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 you and Rest in Peace Officer Joseph Daniel Benedict.

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 

Patrolman Joseph Waldsachs 
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29 Jan 1944

Thursday, September 18, 2014

11:46 PM

On this day in Baltimore Police History 29 January 1944 we lost our Bother Patrolman Joseph Waldsachs after a serious fall in which his neck was broken, based on the following:

Policeman Dies in Fall Down Theater Stairs

Patrolman Joseph Waldsachs, who had been a member of the Police Department for 25 years, after his appointment in 1919 - Died late yesterday afternoon (written Jan 30, 1944) when he tripped in the balcony of a motion picture theater located in the 1400 block of W. Lafayette Ave. as he was leaving the projection booth after talking to the theater manager when he fell, they said and fell down the stairs, breaking his neck. Police reported that Patrolman Waldsachs who was assigned to the Northwestern district, was making a routine inspection of the theater.

Patrolman Waldsachs, was 54 years old and lived at 2023 Wheeler Ave., was taken to West Baltimore General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Patrolman Waldsachs was– and was the beloved husband of Bessie Hughes Waldsachs.

Funeral for Martin Fahey and Sons, 1827 West North Ave., on Wednesday and 9:30 AM Requiem Mass at St. Gregory’s church at 10 AM Interment in Mount Mary Cemetery Towson

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.

During his career Patrolman Joseph Waldsachs was in the sun paper for the following stories:
12 Mar 1919 - page 8 - NEGROES BEAT PATROLMAN
21 July 1926 - page 26 - NEGRO STABS LIEUTENANT OF POLICE IN HEAD
30 Jan 1944 – page 14 - DIES IN FALL POLICEMAN DOWN THEATER STAIRS – and
1 Feb 1944 – Page 14 - DEATHS

Articles to follow

NEGROES BEAT PATROLMAN

 Mar 12, 1919

The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 8

NEGROES BEAT PATROLMAN

JOSEPH WALDSACHS ATTACKED BY PRISONER AND THREE OTHERS.

Attacked by his Negro prisoner and three colored pedestrians. Patrolman Joseph Waldsachs of the Northwest district, was beaten into a semi-conscience condition with his own Espantoon early yesterday morning as he was walking a man to the patrol box for being disorderly in a lunchroom on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Patrolman Waldsachs was set into the restaurant in response to a telephone call. He arrested a Negro who seemed to be the louder of the disturbance.

While walking him to the box at Freemount Avenue and pressed man streets. The three Negroes jumped on Waldsachs and ordered him to release his hold on the prisoner. While three of the Negroes held the BLUECOAT. The fourth seized his nightstick and beat Waldsachs about the head.

Although weakened by the beating and the loss of blood. Waldsachs managed to reach the patrol box and summons the ambulance. He was taken to Maryland General Hospital, where eight cuts about his head were silent by Dr. Richards, resident physician. Waldsachs is now nursing his wounds at his home, 2117 Madison Avenue. He gave a good description of his assailants, and they were expected to be taken into custody within the next 24 hours.

NEGRO STABS LIEUTENANT OF POLICE IN HEAD

21 July 1926

The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 26

NEGRO STABS LIEUT. OF POLICE IN HEAD

MATTHEW QUINN RECEIVES FOUR SERIOUS WOUNDS AND STRUGGLE

ASSAILANT ARRESTED AFTER FIGHT IN ALLEY

EDWARD WISDOM CHASED WHEN COLORED WOMAN CALLS FOR HELP

Struggling in a three-foot alley with a Negro last night, Lieut. Matthew Quinn, of the Northwest district, was stabbed seriously four times in the head. Lieut. Quinn is that the Col. hospital physician say he will recover.

One police reserves reached the scene they found Lieut. Quinn’s white On the ground with the blade of the Negroes knife stuck in the top and a handle broken off

EDWARD WISDOM HELD

The Negro, Edward wisdom, 630 Joseph and street, is locked up at the Northwestern police station. He is charged with attacking Lieut. Quinn and attempting to kill him.

About 8 PM wisdom called at the home of may Brown Negress S 1940 Myrtle Ave., and demanded entrance. He is a friend of her husband. She refused to admit him. She called for police and ran to the home of Dr. James C. Carper, 1063 Myrtle Ave.

CHASED BY PATROLMAN

Patrolman Joseph Waldsachs chased wisdom, who hid in an alley. As Lieut. Quinn, who had joined in the Chase, entered the alley wisdom attacked him. Patrolman Henry Moore, Elmer Johnson and Joseph Broxton, all of the Northwestern district, sooner rides.

Wisdom was overpowered and placed under arrest. Capt. Charles Lastner of the Northwestern district, sent Lieut. Quinn to the hospital.

NINE SHOT BY INSANE NEGRO

Five policeman, a druggist, a Negro boy, a Negro girl and a Negro man were shot by an insane Negro June 28 within a mile of last night stabbing. Patrolman Webster E Schuman, of the Northwestern district, died the following day he had been shot in the mouth.

Thomas Dillon, telephone clerk at the Northwestern police station, died July 12, he had been shot in the chest, the shot lodging in the spinal column.

VANIE LEE SHOT TO DEATH

Vanie Lee, the Negro responsible for the deaths of the two men, was shot to death at Lafayette and Argyle Avenue while hundreds of spectators, many of them carrying pistols, sought to reach him. He had been armed with two pistols and a rifle.

Investigation disclosed that Lee had been an inmate of the insane Ward in Baltimore city hospitals. He had been discharged because his condition seemed improved and because the limited facilities at the institution.

DIES IN FALL POLICEMAN DOWN THEATER STAIRS

 30  Jan 1944

The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 14

POLICEMAN DIES IN FALL DOWN THEATER STAIRS

Patrolman Joseph Waldsachs, who had been a member of the Police Department for 25 years, was killed late yesterday afternoon when he tripped in the balcony of a motion picture theater and fell down the stairs, breaking his neck.

Police reported that patrolman Waldsachs who was assigned to the Northwestern district, was making a routine inspection of the theater, located in the 1400 block of W. Lafayette Ave. He was leaving the projection booth after talking to the theater manager when he fell, they said.

The policeman, who was 54 years old and lived at 2023 Wheeler Ave., was taken to West Baltimore General Hospital where he was pronounced dead patrolman Waldsachs joined the Police Department in 1919

Waldsachs – Suddenly on January 29, 1944, Joseph C. Waldsachs of 2023 Wheeler Ave., beloved husband of Bessie Hughes Waldsachs.

Funeral for Martin Fahey and Sons, 1827 West North Ave., on Wednesday and 9:30 AM Requiem Mass at St. Gregory’s church at 10 AM Interment in Mount Mary Cemetery Towson

DEATHS

  1 Feb 1944

Sun Paper - pg. 14

WALDSACHS– suddenly on January 29 – 1944, Joseph C. Of 2023 Wheeler Ave., beloved husband of Bessie Hughes Waldsachs.

Funeral for Martin Fahey and sons, 1827 West North Ave., on Wednesday at 6:30 AM Requiem mass at St. Gregory’s church at 10 AM interment in Mount Mary Cemetery Towson

Once again, 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.
(*11)

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 

 Patrolman Michael J. Burns 
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22 January 1917 - Patrolman MICHAEL J. BURNS - patrolman Michael J Burns of the bicycle squad was killed almost instantly about 7 o'clock last night when he attempted to relate and electric lamp in front of 4012 Park Heights Ave. He was pronounced dead by Dr. James S Akehurst, who lives at 4012 Parklake Ave. and who reached the side of the patrolman's body a few minutes after he was electrocuted. Shortly after the current was turned on the lamp began to sputter and several the residents of the neighborhood complained of the flashing. Patrolman Burns came along on his bicycle on his way to the little station at Parklake Avenue and Reisterstown Road. His attention was called to the lamp by a passerby and he stated that he could make the light come on again to its normal power by tapping on the chain that leads from the paid about 6 feet up the pole to the lamp itself. (*6)

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