Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Tuesday, December 24, 1946
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 3 years, 2 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 24, 1946
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: sentenced 10-20 years
Patrolman Louis Spencer was killed near his home on Christmas Eve while pursuing an unidentified gunman.
Patrolman Spencer, off-duty at the time, ran from his home on Erin Street when he heard gunshots and found an armed man shooting through the window of a neighbor. Although he was not in uniform, Patrolman Spencer pursued the suspect when the suspect ran from the scene. During the pursuit the suspect stopped, turned, and shot Patrolman Spencer in the heart. Patrolman Spencer was able to return fire and hit the suspect in the wrist. He was apprehended a short time later.
The subject was found guilty of second degree murder on April 9, 1947, and sentenced 10-20 years in prison.
Patrolman Spencer was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the city's highest award for bravery. The award and citation was presented to Patrolman Spencer widow by Mayor David L. Lawrence at the funeral.
Patrolman Spencer had served with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for three years and was assigned to the Number 6 Police Station at Penn Avenue and Highland Avenue, present day Zone 5 Police Station East Liberty. He was survived by his wife, mother, child, and siblings.