Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Friday, March 5, 1976
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: 2484
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 3, 1976
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer James Griffin succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two days earlier when he was shot inside of the 5th District station house.
A suspect had been arrested for stealing plywood from a construction site earlier in the day. Officer Griffin and his partner were sent in the paddy wagon to transport the suspect to the detective division. As they took custody of the prisoner, the man was able to gain control of the other officer's service weapon and shot Officer Griffin in the leg. Officer Griffin was then shot again in the side after falling to the floor.
The 31-year-old suspect was shot twice and seriously wounded by the duty sergeant as he attempted to flee the building. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.
Officer Griffin had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 11 years. He is survived by his wife.