Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Monday, April 6, 1970
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: 6848
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 8, 1970
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer Davis succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained one month earlier when he and his partner responded to a holdup alarm at a local bar at the corner of 23rd Street and Christian Street. Upon arrival Officer Davis went to the front of the bar as his partner went around back. As Officer Davis entered the bar he confronted the suspect who shot him once in the chest with a .38 caliber revolver.
After hearing the shot, the other officer ran to the front of the bar where he saw Officer Davis collapse. He chased the suspect for two blocks and exchanged shots with him before arresting him inside an apartment.
The 43-year-old suspect was out of jail and under a bond for burglary. He was charged with murder after Officer Davis succumbed to his wound. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. He received an additional 10 to 20 years for burglary in 1977. As of August 13, 1991, he was still in prison.
Officer Davis had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.