New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Thursday, August 14, 1924
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 5691
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 12, 1924
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Thomas was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a robbery suspect.
Patrolman Thomas was walking his beat on 9th Avenue in Manhattan when he was approached by a taxi driver who said he had been robbed. He told Patrolman Thomas that he drove a man to a building at 412 West 53rd Street and when they arrived, the man robbed him at gunpoint.
Patrolman Thomas and another Patrolman rode on the running board of the taxi to the location. When they arrived, the taxi driver pointed out a man standing in front of the location as the man who had robbed him. Patrolman Thomas jumped from the taxi and approached the suspect. As he closed in, the suspect, who's hands where in his pocket, fired two shots through his suit jacket from a revolver that was in his pocket.
Patrolman Thomas was stuck and fell to the ground. Another Patrolman pursued the suspect, firing six shots as him, but was unable to apprehended him.
Patrolman Thomas was taken to Roosevelt hospital where he died two days later from his wounds.
Patrolman Thomas, a World War I veteran, had served with the New York City Police Department for two years. He was assigned to the Midtown North Precinct.