Glenolden Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Tuesday, March 25, 1975
Age: 45
Tour of Duty: 20 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 25, 1975
Weapon Used: Handgun; .32 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Chief of Police Robert Sparks was shot and killed when he and another officer attempted to take action when they were robbed while off duty.
The two were leaving a pharmacy, at the intersection of Chester Pike and Glenolden Avenue, after picking up medication for the other officer. As the two walked out of the door two suspects demanded the bag, thinking that there was money in it after mistaking Chief Sparks for the pharmacist. When the officers took action one of the suspects opened fire, fatally wounding Chief Sparks.
Both 17-year-old suspects were apprehended and sentenced to life.
Chief Sparks had served with the Glenolden Borough Police Department for 20 years.