Atlanta Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch Friday, April 26, 1985
Add to My HeroesPhilip Bruce Mathis
Officer Mathis was shot and killed while moonlighting as a security guard at Lenox Square Mall at 3393 Peachtree Road North East in Atlanta.
Around 8:30 p.m., he was shot three times as he entered a storage room and surprised a possible burglar.
The suspect was arrested five months later after multiple tips. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Officer Mathis was a United States Army National Guard veteran and had served with the Atlanta Police Department for 16 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, parents, sister, and brother.
Bio
- Age 38
- Tour 16 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Life in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 26 ReflectionsI thought about you today. How you made rookie cop laugh himself to tears in the elevator at 165 Decatur St on the way to Municipal court.
I remember your funeral and your daughter in a white dress going down the line of police officers. I found out late she became a teacher. I stood beside John Lewis who was a City Councilman at the time. Where are leaders like that....
Sgt. William S. Cooper, Retired
Atlanta Police Department, Motor Unit
August 28, 2023
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