Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Richard F. Bosak

Baltimore Police Historical Society Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Richard F. Bosak
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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.

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

Name	Description
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

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.

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Patrolman Richard H. Duvall

Baltimore Police Historical Society Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Richard H. Duvall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is based on the following:

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

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

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

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

The following articles come from the Baltimore Sun (1959).

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

12 January 1959

Officer Shot by Bullet from His Own or Partners Pistol

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

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

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

OCCURRED AFTER CHASE

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

ONE OF THE GUN’S DISCHARGED

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

MAIN ARTERY CUT

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

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

HITTING 75 MILES AN HOUR

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

CAR HITS SLOPE

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

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

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

PARTNERS DEATH MADE TO OFFICER

13 January 1959

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

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

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

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

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

SPOTTED SUNDAY

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

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

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

CHASE CAR THROUGH PARK

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

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

More details

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

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.

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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, like us on Facebook or mail pictures to 8138 Dundalk Ave., Baltimore, Md. 21222

Patrolman Thomas H. Worthington

Baltimore Police Historical Society Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Thomas H. Worthington
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4 March 1909 - Patrolman THOMAS H. WORTHINGTON, was killed by a "live" wire at Mount Royal Avenue and McMechen Street early this morning. He was carrying a"dead" wire to the sidewalk from the street when a second wire fell. He died instantly. Officer Worthington was about 50 years old, and had been on the force about 12 "years, most ·of the time serving in the Northwestern district: He lived with his wife and children on Braddish Avenue, near the Wabash railroad tracks.

The Baltimore Sun Fri Mar 5 1909 pg1
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The Baltimore Sun Fri Mar 5 1909 pg2
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More Details

Name	Description
End of Watch	4 March 1909
City, St.	Mount Royal Avenue and McMechen Street
Panel Number	N/A
Cause of Death	Electrocution
District Worked	Central

POLICE INFORMATION

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Patrolman Thomas J. Barlow

Baltimore Police Historical Society Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Thomas J. Barlow
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On this date in Baltimore Police History 31 Dec 1937, we lost our brother, Patrolman Thomas J. Barlow to an automobile accident based on the following:

On 31 December 1937 at approximately 2:00a.m., while investigating a call of a woman screaming for help, as she was having trouble with her drunken boyfriend. Officer Barlow and his partner Officer James M. Leverton were handling the call when they were both struck by John E. Kelly, of the 3300 block of Hamilton Avenue (Kelly was the son of a retired Central District Officer) Officer Barlow was killed instantly, and Officer Leverton was seriously injured. This took place at the intersection of Belair Rd. and Pelham Ave. It would be eight blocks, to nearly one mile from the scene of the accident before Kelly would be stopped by another radio car operated by Patrolmen, John M. Dippel and John W. Campbell. Once stopped Kelley was arrested, and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Driving Under the Influence, Hit and Run personal injury, Hit and Run Property Damage and numerous other vehicular, and Criminal Offenses. Kelly would be held in city jail without bail from the time of his arrest until the 6th of January 1938, because Dr. F. L. C. Helm, “Acting Automobile Coroner”, declined to set bail after his arrest. It would be a week later before Kelly would receive a hearing via a Habeas Corpus Hearing when we would hear a defense attorney make a statement that lets us know today, things back then were just as bad and seemingly unjust as they are today, and that Defense Attorneys were 100% just as heartless. The Defense Attorneys of 1938/39 was just as much a disgrace with a lack of couth back then, as they are today… being represented at the time by an attorneys named John E. Magers and Bernard H. Herzfeld. Attorney Magers said one of the most disgusting and disturbing things I may have ever heard come from the mouth of someone that is supposed to represent integrity and equality in our court system when he said, “If he were not a policeman involved in this case, the defendant would have been admitted to bail,” then he went on to say, “Defendants in cases more serious than this one have been released on bail.” SMH… I mean seriously, WHAT COULD BE MORE SERIOUS THAN "KILLING" A POLICE OFFICER, Taking the LIFE of someone that's sole job is to uphold PEACE, maintain ORDER & FAIRNESS in society. Don’t get me wrong, I know there are some serious crimes out there... Child Abuse, Kiddie Porn, Rape, Murder etc. But this Attorney John Magers, said it like the life of a Police Officer, the life of our Brother, the life of Officer Thomas J. Barlow was no big deal, like he was disposable, a police officer to a city, a husband to Mrs. Irene M. Barlow and Daddy to his four children, disposable to a drunk driver, to a defense attorney, and sadly to a court system, that would set bail on a man's freedom, that valued another man life at just $3000. And then that is just what Judge Robert F. Stanton did as he set Kelly’s Bail at $3000.00 – roughly $51,000.00 in today’s value. I’m not sure what crawled up Stanton’s court dress that day, he was normally a pretty good judge, and pro police, especially in cases where police were injured or killed, and in this case we have both. Yet he did what he did, and Kelly was bailed out by his wife, Mrs. Leopoldina “Leo” Kelly, who lived with her husband in the 3300 block of Hamilton Avenue.

On 10 February 1938 Kelly would have his day in court, being convicted of manslaughter charges by Judge J. Abner Saylor in the criminal court in connection with our brother; Patrolman Thomas J. Barlow's death; Based on testimony of, the arresting officers, and a cab driver that saw the entire incident. The sentencing was suspended on the request of Kelly’s attorney. John E. Majors and Bernard Herzfeld. Pending a motion for a new trial. Once again I am sitting here shaking my head... did they have something on this Judge Stanton, I mean seriously what in the world was going on. But this was not the end… while I couldn’t find anything else on this case, I did find the following: In a Sun Paper Article dated - 8 April 1939… it was about several suits involving vehicular manslaughter that had added up to more than $125,000.00 ( in today's money that would be $2,125,000.00 ) and one of those actions involved Mrs. Irene M. Barlow, the widowed mother of four who was at one time married to Patrolman Thomas J. Barlow. ( I copied just the part of the article for this story. ) "Mrs. Barlow seeks $50,000 ($850,000.00) - Mrs. Irene M. Barlow widow of patrolman Thomas J. Barlow, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident last December, filed an action in Superior Court seeking $50,000 from John E. Kelly who was serving one year in the House of Corrections for manslaughter, in connection with the death of Officer T. J. Barlow. The suit was entered jointly by Mrs. Barlow and her three juvenile children." (Apparently on of their children had reached the age of 18 - or we have a newspaper error) OK… so from this brief article we learn - John E. Kelly received a one year sentence in the House of corrections for killing a police officer, a manslaughter, taking the life of our brother Patrolman Thomas J Barlow. Not as much time as one should get for killing anyone, much less killing a police officer… but it's better than a suspended sentence. And while we don’t know if Mrs. Barlow and her three children won their civil suit, we can only hope they did, as $50,000.00 in 1939/1940 would be worth: $850,000.00 in today’s currency. would show Tommy Barlow's life was more important than taking away a year of Kelly's life.

Thomas J Barlow, was a member of the Baltimore Police Department since 1919. He was husband to Mrs. Irene M. Barlow and was the father of four children.

Further info on this incident: At approximately 2:17 a.m., Officer Barlow was struck and killed by an automobile at the intersection of Belair Road and Pelham Avenue. Officer Barlow was investigating a call for a “woman screaming in the street.” Officer Barlow was hurrying to the aid of a woman who was having trouble with her drunken boyfriend. One patrolman was killed instantly and another· injured early yesterday when they were struck by a hit-run driver on the Belair road at Pelham avenue. The officer who was killed was Thomas J. Barlow, a member of the Baltimore Police Department since 1919 and the father of four children. Patrolman James M. Leverton, his radio-car teammate. was injured. Almost a mile from the scene of the accident, the crew of another radio car arrested John E. Kelly, of the 3300 block Hamilton avenue, and placed four charges against him. Both officers were standing beside their machine when struck, after answering a complaint.

John E Kelly was found guilty of Manslaughter in the Fatal Accident that took the life of Officer Thomas J Barlow - John E. Kelly yesterday was found guilty of manslaughter by Judge J. Abner Sayler in the Criminal Court in connection with the death of Patrolman Thomas J. Barlow of the Northeastern district last December. Sentence was suspended on the request of Mr. Kelly's Attorneys. John E. Majors and Bernard Herzfeld. Pending a motion for a new trial. Kelly, son of a retired Central district policeman. Pleaded not guilty in the hit-run accident in which Barlow and Patrolman James Leverton. Crew of a Northeastern district radio car were struck while standing by their parked machine at Belair road and Pelham Avenue. Killed Almost Instantly I Barlow, who lived at Rossville was Killed almost instantly. Leverton suffered an injured hip cuts and bruises Testimony adduced by William H. Maynard Deputy State's Attorney, and Charles H. Knapp Jr. Assistant State's Attorney was that Kelly's machine hit the policemen and went on eight blocks before Kelly was apprehended.

Chased By Other Officers

Kelly's car was halted according to the testimony by Patrolman John M Dipple, and John W. Campbell of the Northeastern District, who had witnessed the accident and chased the machine. Kelly said he did not know of the accident until hailed by police. Francis Einwick of 3300 Block Cliftmount Avenue a taxicab driver testified that he had parked his machine near the scene of the accident: that he saw Kelly drive at approximately fifty five miles per hour toward the police officer, He said he called to the Officer to, “watch out!” just before the were hit. Kelly lives in the 3300 Block Hamilton Avenue

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

Name	Description
End of Watch	December 31, 1937
City, St.	City, St.
Panel Number	52-E: 13
Cause of Death	Auto Accident
District Worked	Northeastern

POLICE INFORMATION

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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 like us on Facebook or mail pics to 8138 Dundalk Ave. Baltimore Md. 21222

Patrolman Thomas J. Burns

Baltimore Police Historical Society Fallen Heroes

Sgt Benjamin Graham

Patrolman Thomas J. Burns
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

1 Oct 1948

Motorcycle Officer Dies of Injuries

Patrolman Thomas J. Burns, a 23-year-old motorcycle policeman, died this morning 1 October 1948 after his motorcycle had crashed into a tractor-trailer truck on Erdman Ave.

The Army veteran, who had learned to ride police motorcycles last spring after serving as a patrolman and park policeman, died in City Hospital.

25 Volunteer Blood

Burns was thrown from his motorcycle and was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries. Almost as soon as he arrived a plea when out on police radios and teletype for volunteers to report to the hospital and donate the blood that would be needed for transfusions. Within 10 minutes after the call, 25 officers appeared to offer their blood.

Burns was single and lived in the 1500 block of Durham Street.

Police said he struck the oversized truck at the intersection of Erdman Avenue and N. Point Rd., as the truck was making a left-hand turn. Patrolman Leroy F. Davis and Charles Krein, of the accident investigation division, charged the driver of the truck with failure to give the right away to an emergency vehicle.

They said the truck, owned by Kane Transfer Company, of the 1100 block of Russell Street, was driven by Norman L. Willingham, 22, of the 100 block of Sanford Ave., Catonsville, MD.

More Details

Name	Description
End of Watch	1 Oct 1948
City, St.	Memorial Stadium Parking Lot
Panel Number	N/A
Cause of Death	Auto Accident
District Worked	Motors

POLICE INFORMATION

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Patrolman William Harriman

Baltimore Police Historical Society Fallen Heroes

Patrolman William E. Harriman

case books

We have acquired four of Patrolman Harriman's old casebooks from the 1930s to the 1950s, covering various cases worked by the patrolman during those years. We will add pictures and explain anything that needs explanation.

17 june 1933 son shoots dad case book page

Book 1 of 4 covering 1930 until 1933

There is a lot in the first book, which covers 1930 until 1933, but one of the best cases we found occurred on June 17, 1933, when Patrolman Harriman arrested a 17-year-old kid named Henry Bailey Jr. for shooting his father, Henry Bailey Sr. What sounds like a crazy story of an out-of-control kid turns out to be a heroic kid protecting his brother from an abusive father. The father was on a court-ordered stay-away order for domestic violence when a neighbor saw him creeping toward the home. H. N. Bailey Jr. and his mother were notified, leading Bailey Jr. to go out in an attempt to chase his father away. His father refused to go, leaving the son no choice but to fire on his own dad in order to protect his mother from certain abuse. See the following article from the Baltimore Sun, June 17, 1933:

sun article 17 june 1933 son shoots dad To see a full-sized version, right-click the above article and select "Open Image in New Tab."
Then go to that tab, click on the image, and it will zoom in to a full-size, easy-to-read article.

After ignoring a court order to stay away from his wife's house and being shot one time out of five attempts by his own son, Henry Bailey Jr., Henry Bailey Sr. is the one that ends up with criminal charges lodged against him; it was him that would catch a charge of disturbing the peace and end up with a guilty finding on his record and having to pay fines and court costs. His son at first sounded like a criminal, but when all was said and done, young Bailey was a hero protecting his mother from an out-of-control and violent father who would have most certainly attacked and beat Henry Jr.'s mother. He did what he had to; he did what needed to be done, and in the end, all charges filed against him had to be filed, but they were all equitably dismissed in court.

The Baltimore Sun Fri Jul 11 1924 72

It was kind of a novelty that Patrolman Harriman was often teased about, but while in the mounted squad, the patrolman was assigned and rode a horse named Dan. Dan was a descendant of an Arabian Sheik's horse.

patrolman-william-r-myers

Baltimore Police Historical Society Fallen Heroes

Patrolman William R Myers

Click above article or HERE to see full size article

Patrolman William R. Myers died on September 27, 1933, at home, a week after leaving his post, due to a heart attack. He had been complaining for years of the stress put on him by his post near Lexington Market. That stress had him move from directing pedestrian and vehicular traffic by hand to working a semaphore. It can be a tough job, and while he didn't actually die on his post, from his complaints, it is obvious his post as one of the original "Beauty Squad" took its toll on him and was documented over the years. Aside from remembering him on this day, take a look at his history, the history of the Beauty Squad, and some of the ways they directed traffic over the years before forming the Traffic Squad.

POLICE INFORMATION

If you have copies of: your Baltimore Police Department class photo; pictures of our officers, vehicles, and equipment; newspaper articles relating to our department and/or officers; old departmental newsletters; lookouts; wanted posters; 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.

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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, like us on Facebook or mail pics to 8138 Dundalk Ave., Baltimore, Md. 21222

Preservation

Baltimore Police Historical Society Fallen Heroes

Don't pass up an opportunity to participate in a unique and exciting effort to help preserve our police history. If we fail to fulfill the obligation we have to future generations of Baltimore Police, their families, and their families families, through the preservation of our history, it will be gone forever, and they will never know how it was. While we maintain the site, we'll also work to research our history and update the site with new, verified information. We will from time to time add information that comes to us from our readers, but unless it has been verified through documentation, we will not put it in as anything but information from a reader. We had info from some well known historians that came back as incorrect. Ken has himself found information that was contradicted by other information, so until it is fully verified and documented he himself won't include a theory of his own without the documentation that lead to the theory, and then you our readers can make up your mind as to whether or not his theory is correct. In most cases Ken has verified, double and triple checked his sources. So we hope you will join us in these efforts to continue our research, and preservation.

Ronald Teufer Sr

Baltimore Police Historical Society Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Ronald H. Teufer Sr

The Teufers

Week's Weddings

The Sun (1837-1987);

Jun 29, 1958

TEUFER - SCHWARTZ
The marriage of Miss Erma Lee Schwartz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roland L. Schwartz, of 705 South Baylis Street, and Mr. Ronald Henry Teufer, son of Mrs. Henry G. Teufer, of 7236 Bridgewood drive, and the late Mr. Teufer, took place June 7 at Salem Evangelical United Brethren Church. The Rev. Fred Fischer performed the ceremony. A reception was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The bride was given in marriage by her father. After a wedding rip to Florida, Mr. and Mrs. Teufer are living at 406 South East Avenue.

51img012 Starting Pay in 1959 - $133.18

23img048 Patrolman Ronald H. Teufer loading horse - old stables on Frederick St.

SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN 2 ROBBERIES

The Sun (1837-1987);

Sep 16, 1969

pg. C26 FOUR SUSPECTS ARRESTED TWO ROBBERIES – BANK, GROCERY, LOAN COMPANY HELD UP; $9354 TAKEN
City police and FBI as he picked up for social yesterday in the properties of a bank and lending company office.

The FBI had arrested a fifth man earlier in the day, and charged him with the September eat holdup of the Maryland national bank branch in Randallstown.

Robbers did better yesterday in Joppatowne, where two armed bandits escaped with some $2000 after holding up in a in the supermarket and jump as a shopping center

$7004 TAKEN
Will in the largest of city holdups, two young men bolted the counter of the trust company branch in Edmondson village and raked $7024 from the cash drawers while a third stood at the event or with a pistol.

Police said one of the bandits fired a shot into the back ceiling and that a customer took a shot at the third as he chased him down the street.

Police and FBI agents took too young man, 18 and 21 years old, in the custody at 1 PM three hours after the order. They said the suspects, who were arrested at the younger ones home in a 2400 block of Chelsea Terrace, would be charged later with the holdup.

The third suspect, who was 24 years old, was arrested at 2:30 PM at his home in the 1800 block of Poplar Grove Street.

In the second city holdup, a very casual man with no bottom teeth and a sawed-off shotgun it in his leather briefcase took $310 from the family finance company branch at 416 North Howard St., then held a cab and fled in.

A passing bus driver who took down the cabs license number. And a mounted traffic policeman who broadcasted over the police radio helped to policeman crews and nearby to catch the taxi and corral suspect minutes after the robbery.

TO BE PUT IN A LINEUP
The 20-year-old suspect was being held last night at the central district police station. Police said he would be placed in lineups tomorrow in an attempt to link him with the recent holdups of two taverns, two banks, two lending institutions, and a dress shop.

Mark L Bolton, the loan officers manager, said the man came in at 2 PM and applied for a loan, then returned a half hour later caring a brown briefcase, from which he pulled a disassembled shotgun, and a handwritten holdups note. Mr. Fuller said the man clicked the two halves of the sawed-off shotgun together, and the two of them went to the firms cashiers cages, where to cashiers handed him $310.

“MADE HIMSELF AT HOME”
The man then ordered the six persons in the office to lie on the floor, stuff the shotgun back into the briefcase, and fled to Saratoga Street, where he held the cab. “He was very casual,” P. Marini, a supervisor at the finance company said, “he just made himself at home, and then he robbed us.” Moments later, a bus driver leaned out the window to tell Patrolman Ronald H. Teufer for, astride his horse “Lucky”, the taxi’s license number, and the man was soon caught.

CAR DRIVEN BY WOMAN
In Joppatowne, meanwhile, to bandits apparently broke through the ceiling of an AMP supermarket. Then robbed it safe of $2000 after employees began arriving at 7 AM. The men armed with a butcher knife and a pistol, also Rob seven of the stores employees of an estimated $300 then lock them in a cooler and escaped in a car driven by a woman accomplice. The employees spent some 90 minutes in the cooler before other employees miss them and calls the police just before 9 AM The FBI made its arrest in the Randallstown holdup yesterday morning taking Morton J. Clark, Junior, 39, in the custody at his home in the 7200 block of Oak Haven circle.

A bearded man took $7944.59 from the Maryland national branch early on September 8 after pointing a gold colored pistol at the teller. Mr. Clark was arraigned before United States Commissioner H. Alan Metzger, and held in city jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.

20img051 Patrolman Ronald H. Teufer unloading a horse

Oct 4, 1972

DiPietro escapes ticket for using Mayor's space
The Sun (1837-1987); ;pg. C26

DiPietro Escapes Ticket for using Mayor's Space
A mounted policeman and City Councilman Dominic DiPietro (Mimi) Democrat 1st district had a jocular showdown over a parking summons in front of City Hall yesterday.

Patrolman Ronald H. Teufer was sitting on his horse next to Mr. DiPietro’s illegally parked car when the councilman emerged in shirt sleeves from City Hall and, in his own a inimitable East Baltimore vernacular, ordered the policeman to ticket all the cars illegally parked along the Memorial Plaza before ticketing his.

TROTTED AROUND THE PLAZA
“C’mom goombah,” said the policeman, “You can’t park here, it’s the Mayors parking space.” Mr. DiPietro responded that spaces along Memorial Plaza where council members may Park were filled with illegal parkers and that he had no place to put his car.

Thereupon, patrolman Teufer dutifully trotted around the Plaza to search for illegally parked cars. He then returned to the front of City Hall and was chatting with Mr. DiPietro when the Mayor’s limousine appeared. The Mayor had to double parked because the policeman’s horse was in the way. When the Mayor appeared Mr. DiPietro greeted him with a cheerful obscenity; the Mayor replied with an obscene gesture of his own before speeding away. And policeman Teufer trotted away, having been treated to personal contact with the higher echelon of government and leaving them none the worse for meeting him.

Traffic Officer Injured October 24, 1972 Officer Ronald Tuefer was thrown from his horse on Tuesday, October 24, 1972 in the 200 block of Cross Street and received severe injuries to his head. The incident occurred in mid-afternoon when the Officer's horse, "Zeik," reared up for no apparent reason, back stepped, and then fell over backwards, onto Officer Tuefer. The Officer was rushed to Mercy Hospital where he was X-rayed and treated by four staff physicians. He remains confined there, on the 12th floor. He is recovering satisfactorily. The Officer has been a member of the Mounted Unit since 1968

Palomino

Jul 24, 1974

Pomerleau suspends 16 union officials
The Sun (1837-1987); ;
pg. C1

Pomerleau
Suspends 16
Union Officials

16 patrolman – all officials of the union which represented striking city police – were suspended from duty yesterday by the police Commissioner, Donald P Pomerleau. The suspensions removed from duty virtually all the remaining officers of local 1195 of the American Federation of State, County and municipal employees (AFL – CIO) as well as some members of his executive board. Five other board members were praised by the Commissioner, however, for not participating in the strike. It appeared as if yesterday’s suspensions were directed at those who Commissioner Pomerleau believed were the main thrust behind the police strike. The suspensions were expected after Commissioner Pomerleau’s last week suspension of police officer George F. We, president of the local. Earlier last week Commissioner Pomerleau revoked the union’s right to represent Baltimore police. Several suspended officers contacted last night refused to comment on the commissioner’s action. In a two-page press release, the Commissioner said he was imposing the suspension because the 16 patrolman had violated “departmental directives” and had been “absent from duty without proper authority.” Commissioner Pomerleau had said previously that the cases of each of about 600 men and women who participated in the five-day police walkout would be evaluated individually. He mentioned probable action ranging from firing to demotions, transfers and extra duty, or a combination of these. The 16 patrolman suspended yesterday will appear at a special 9 AM hearing today and tomorrow to determine whether they should be paid or not paid during their suspensions. Hearings on the charges will be conducted before a departmental trawl board at a later date. Mr. Hoyt, whose son officer Francis T. Wait, was one of those suspended yesterday, faces such hearing July 31.

THOSE SUSPENDED YESTERDAY WERE:
officer George A. Donahue and Harry M. Bayne, both of Northwestern district; also Lewis J. Patty and Sharon V. Colo, of southern district, and Michael F. Ryan and Joseph L. Falls letter, of central district. Also suspended were officers George M. Young and Charles J, Ryan, of Western district; also Leopold J. Iraqi, of the tactical section, and officer Scott H. Gary, Junior., Joseph P. McMahon and Vincent J. Sanzone, all of the Southwest district. Others were officer Francis T. Weight, the only Eastern district policeman to participate in the walkout; for Nelson F. McKenna, of northern district; also Milton J. Wancowicz, senior, of the South Eastern district, and officer Ronald a Ward, of the northeastern district. At the same time Commissioner Pomerleau raised five other members of the union’s local executive board who he said “did not participate in the strike action and fulfill their responsibilities to their oath of office and the citizens of Baltimore. “They are to be commended for their attention to duty during these trying times,” he continued.These 54 officers Francis R Cavanaugh, of the departmental personnel division; officer Ronald H. Teufer, of the traffic division; officer Charles E Wancowicz. Senior, of the chief of patrol’s office; officer Author am the wit, of the criminal investigation division, and officer Bessie E Franklin, of the central records division. Officer Charles Wancowicz is the nephew of Milton J Wancowicz, a suspended officerBob Petza Retired from mounted in 1989 with 30 years

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Behind the horse van. Tom Bretzil, unknown, Bob Petza, Ronald Teufer

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Patrolman Ronald H. Teufer

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Group riding out of barn, left to right....Chuck Esler, Joe Thomas, 2nd group Bob Petza, Teufer, 3rd group
still inside the barn Tom Bretzik Bill Chubb ( his son is Kevin Chubb, was a sgt.)

mounted sign

The sign above hangs in our living room, can be seen hanging on the side of the Frederick St - Stables

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Guys behind the van L to R Teufer, unk, Bill Kromer, Bob Petza, Tom Bretzik, Sgt. Tom Wahlen

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Parade L to R John Moran with flag, Chuck Esler, Teufer and Larry Merrifield on the blonde horse

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32img038 Patrolman Ronald H. Teufer

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Patrolman Ronald H. Teufer

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Bronze Star

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"Lucky" was sold for $500 for use in the Department Mounted Unit

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Teufer
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Retirement Ceremony
Captain Robert Jenkins, the Teufers, Col Eddie Lawrence, Captain Walter Jasper

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P/O Ronald Teufer
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P/O Ronald Teufer and Col Eddie Lawrence

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P/O Ronald Teufer

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P/O Ronald Teufer
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21 August, 1967 - We lost our Brother Police Officer John C. Williams

Pictures Courtesy of Janet Teufer Cappelli Terry Allen Cappelli and Ronalf H Teufer Sr Devider color with motto

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, like us on Facebook or mail pics to us at 8138 Dundalk Ave. Baltimore Md. 21222

Safe Driving Award

Baltimore Police Historical Society Fallen Heroes

Safe Driving awards, given out in 5 year intervals for having no non-preventable accidents.

Sgt. Robert J. Barlow

Baltimore Police Historical Society Fallen Heroes

Sgt. Robert J. Barlow
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

25 April 1978

Services Set for Robert Barlow, Sgt. and Tactical Section

A mass of Christian burial for Sgt. Robert J. Barlow, an officer for 19 years in the City Police Departments Tactical Section, was offered at the Shrine of the Little Flower Church in the 2800 block of Brendan Avenue.

Sgt. Barlow, who was 43 and lived in the 3400 block of Mayfield Avenue, died at Union Memorial Hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home shortly after he returned home from a shift with the Police Department. He worked a ballgame and had to break up more than a few fights, during his shift he had become over exhausted several times, at one point even needing help getting to his office so that he could try to rest a little as during a struggle with an unruly fan he had become overexerted.

The 19-year veteran of the police department, he oversaw a squad of Tactical Section officers who patrol the Downtown Business District. He also was one of the three officers who supervised the deployment of police at events in Memorial Stadium. Upon joining the force in 1959, Sgt. Barlow, a Baltimore native, was assigned to the central district. Later he worked in the department's laboratory division and the Northwestern district before being promoted to the rank of Sgt. in 1968.

During his career, he was awarded one special commendation, one official commendation and one commendatory letter. Prior to becoming a police officer, Sgt. Barlow served in the military police. He also attended the University of Maryland. He is survived by his wife, the former Willa Cunningham; two daughters, Catherine Marie Barlow and Barbara Jean Barlow; his mother, Mrs. Clara Barlow of Baltimore, and two sisters, Mrs. Patricia Fuller of Baltimore, and Mrs. Jean Graham of Bristol, Connecticut.

In a 25 April 1978 newspaper article, a baseball manager didn’t like it because one of his $200,000 a-year-ballplayers got hit in the face with a beer. Isn’t that too bad. He should see how the police are treated. They get kicked, punched, shoved and spat on. One of the men who work with us out here Sunday referring to Sgt. Barlow by saying, "He went home after the game and died from a heart attack at 8 o’clock that night. Ofc. Robert Barlow a 43-year-old. Two kids. He was up and down these ramps all Sunday trying to keep the crowd under control. I looked at that man this afternoon and I couldn’t believe it. I like to see Billy Martin change uniforms with one of us.”

Barlow Robert 25 apr 1978

More Details

Name	Description
End of Watch	24 April 1978
City, St.	201 E University Pkwy, Baltimore, MD 21218
Panel Number	N/A
Cause of Death	Heart Attack
District Worked	Tactical Section

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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

Wallace Therien

Baltimore Police Historical Society Fallen Heroes

The Evening Sun Sat Aug 21 1954 72

Patrolman Wallace B. Therien

THERIEN ASSAULT SUSPECT CHARGED
The Sun (1837-1989); Aug 22, 1954;
pg. 24

Therien Assault Suspect Charged

A 25-year old Newark (N.J.) laborer yesterday was charged with shooting with intent to kill Patrolman Wallace B. Therien, Central district policeman wounded in a fight with two men at High and Hillen streets.

The Newark man, Roy Lee Curtis, was one of five men picked up at a near-by tavern shortly after Patrolman Therien was attacked by two Negroes late Friday night.

Patrolman Therien, recovering at Mercy Hospital from a bullet wound in the hand and what appears to be a stab wound in the back, said he was attacked when he ordered two men on his beat to stop drinking. One of the thugs tugged at the officer's pistol and the gun went off striking Therien in the hand.

JERSEYAN HELD TO JURY IN SHOOTING OF OFFICER

The Sun (1837-1989); Sep 9, 1954;

pg. 21

Jerseyan Held to Jury in Shooting Of Officer

Roy Lee Curtis, 25, of Newark, N.J., was held for the grand jury in $5,000 bail yesterday on charges of stealing a policeman's gun and then shooting him with intent to kill.

Patrolman Wallace B. Therien, at 11:30 P.M. August 20, was involved in a fight with two men at High and Hillen Streets, hit over the head with a beer bottle, cut across the back and then shot in the hand.

A finger was partially shot off as he tried to keep his attacker from taking his gun. Curtis was arrested an hour after the shooting when he showed up at a car parked near the corner. Police are still looking for the second suspect.

FINGER COST IS FIVE YEARS
The Sun (1837-1989); Oct 5, 1954;
pg. 11

FINGER COST IS FIVE YEARS

Man Sent To Pen In Shooting of Policeman

Convicted of assaulting and shooting off the finger of a policeman after seizing the patrolman's gun, Roy Lee Curtis, 26, yesterday was sentenced to five years in the Penitentiary by Judge Emory H. Niles in Criminal Court.

Curtis, whose home is in Newark, N.J., was convicted of assaulting Patrolman Wallace Therien and of stealing the policeman's gun last August 20 in the vicinity of High and Hillen streets.

Testimony produced by James W. Murphy, prosecutor, disclosed that Patrolman Therien was attempting to dispel a noisy,drinking crowd at that intersection when the assault occurred.

Ordered Drinkers Inside

The policeman testified he cleared the corner earlier in the evening and instructed the men standing around to do their drinking on the inside of a tavern there.

He said when he returned later, the group again had assembled on the sidewalk and was drinking and making loud noises.

He said he asked Curtis to finish drinking a bottle of beer on the inside, but instead the Negro struck him in the face fracturing his nose. The policeman said he heard someone yell "get his gun," and immediately Curtis lunged for the weapon in its holster.

During the ensuing scuffle, Patrolman Therien testified someone hit him on the head with a bottle and stabbed him in the back. He said he clung to the barrel of the .38 calibre Colt while Curtis tugged on the other end.

The Following article dated 28 April 1953 says, 50 Officers scheduled to take their oath Thursday, the 28th was a Tuesday, so the Thursday after that would have been the 30th of April 1953. This tells us, Patrolman Wallace B. Therien started his career with the Baltimore Police department on 30 April 1953, he was shot in 1954, when he lost a finger in the shootout mentioned above.

The Evening Sun Tue Apr 28 1953 72 highlighted

Click above certificate to be taken to full sized certificate

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Webster Schuman

Baltimore Police Historical Society Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Webster Schuman
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

WEBSTER E SCHUMANN

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

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

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

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

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

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

Others shot are:

Patrolman Webster Schuman, Northwestern District. Shot in the mouth; condition serious; at the University Hospital.
Patrolman Ignatius Benesch, Northwestern District. Shot in the right hip; skull probably fractured by blow struck by Lee with empty pistol during hand to hand combat; at Colonial Hospital.
Police Chauffeur Leroy E. Lentz, Western District. Shot in the ankle; at University Hospital.
Patrolman Howard L. Collins, Northwestern District. Shot in the right hand; at Colonial Hospital.
William H. Kammerer, druggist, Lafayette and Fremont avenues, shot in the right leg.
Arthur Redding, 34 years old, shot in the neck; condition serious; at Colonial Hospital.
Calvin Howard, 16 years old, shot in the hand; treated at the University Hospital.
Mildred Duncan, 11 years old. Shot in the abdomen; condition serious; at the Colonial Hospital.

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

We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. God Bless, and rest in Peace. His service "Honored" the City of Baltimore and the Police Department - RIP Officer Murphy.

More Details

Name	Description
End of Watch	29 June, 1926
City, St.	Baltimore, Md
Panel Number	59-E: 9
Cause of Death	Gunfire
Weapon	- Rifle
District Worked	Northwestern

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Baltimore Police Historical Society

Baltimore Police Historical Society put the articles found on this site together using research from old newspapers, old books, old photographs, and old artifacts. We rely more heavily on information written at, or near the time of the incidents or events that we are researching. We do not put too much weight on the more recently written historic information, or information that has been written with a biased opinion, or agenda. We will not tell our readers what to think about our past, as much as we will tell a story as it was written with the hopes our readers will form their own opinions. We tell a story about what happened, and not why it happened. That said, ever so often we might come across a story that to us is so exciting we might express an enthusiasm in our writings. We hope the reader will still form an opinion of their own based on the information written at the time, and not information more recently written that has a so-called "filtered past" or that has been twisted and pulled in the direction of a storyteller's personal feelings or agenda. Please enjoy the site and feel free to write us should you have any questions or information.

William Ryan

Baltimore Police Historical Society Fallen Heroes

Patrolman William L. Ryan

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

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

14 June 1940

Sun paper reports dated titled,
Accused Slayer Faces Mind Test

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

SHOTS THIS FUGITIVE

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

NEITHER SHOT STRUCK THE ASSAILANT

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

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

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

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

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

TAKEN TO SPRING GROVE

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

DELUSION DESCRIBED

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

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

SERVED IN THE ARMY

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

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