Police Officer III James E. Walch
Montgomery County Police Department
Maryland
End of Watch: Tuesday, January 25, 1994

Biographical Info
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: Tuesday, January 25, 1994
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available

Officer Walch was killed in an automobile accident while responding to a call for assistance in pursuit of a 13-year-old in a stolen car. During the pursuit the cruiser struck a patch of black ice and went out of control. The vehicle spun around and struck a utility pole rear-first, causing the gas tank to rupture and the car to burst into flames. Officer Walch was killed on impact.

Another officer was also on the scene after hitting the same patch of ice in a seperate patrol car. That Officer received minor burns and scratches while trying to rescue Officer Walch.

Officer Walch was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had been with the agency for six years. He is survived by his wife and son, parents and siblings.