Baltimore City Police Department, Maryland
End of Watch: Thursday, August 15, 1974
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: 563
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 15, 1974
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Police Officer Milton Spell was shot and killed after stopping a suspect drunk driver in the 1600 block of North Bradford Street.
Officer Spell, who was on foot patrol, called for backup and approached the vehicle to speak with the driver. As they spoke the driver opened fire from inside the car striking Officer Spell in the chest and abdomen. His backup unit, who was less than one block away, heard the shots and immediately started CPR when he arrived on the scene.
Officer Spell was transported to Johns Hopkins University Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds a short time later.
The 31-year-old suspect was apprehended, convicted of first-degree murder, and sentenced to life.
Officer Spell had served with the Baltimore City Police Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife and two children. He was a Vietnam veteran.