Pennsylvania Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch: Thursday, September 26, 1918
Age: 36
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 26, 1918
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 15 years
Special Officer John Ellis was shot and killed at the West Philadelphia Station, at the intersection of 32nd and Market Streets, while confronting a drunk man who was causing a disturbance in the ladies' waiting room at 5:30 am.
Officer Ellis had only 10 minutes left on his shift when he was informed of the drunk man. He told the man he had to leave or that he would be arrested. As Officer Ellis turned to walk away the man produced a handgun and shot him in the back. Officer Ellis was taken to Presbyterian Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries approximately 15 minutes later. The subject was shot and wounded by a Philadelphia Police Department officer who witnessed the incident and taken into custody.
On April 9, 1919, the suspect, 23, was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 15 years.
Officer Ellis was a U.S. Navy veteran.