Baltimore City Police Department, Maryland
End of Watch: Thursday, August 1, 1974
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 1, 1974
Weapon Used: Handgun; Pistol
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Detective Sergeant Frank Grunder was shot and killed by a criminal wanted on the west coast.
Sergeant Grunder was off duty driving around with his family when he noticed the suspect sitting on the steps of the St. Dominic's Catholic Church at Harford Road and Echodale Avenue. Knowing how dangerous the suspect was, he parked his family a long distance away and went to a payphone to call for assistance. At the same time, he noticed a marked patrol car and flagged the officer down.
As Sergeant Grunder and the officer approached the suspect, he produced a pistol and shot Sergeant Grunder in the chest, killing him instantly. The patrol officer returned fire killing the suspect.
Sergeant Grunder was a United States Marine Corps Reserve veteran and had served with the Baltimore City Police Department for 12 years. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter. His father was a retired Lieutenant with the Baltimore City Police Department.