Abington Township Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Wednesday, June 29, 1949
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 29, 1949
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Executed in 1953
Police Officer Thomas Mathews was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious truck near Rydal he and his partner had seen leaving a large estate of a prominent citizen.
The driver of the truck fled with Officer Mathews in pursuit. His partner heard several gunshots moments later. Officer Mathews' body was located near a hedge approximately one hour later.
Investigation revealed that the subject had just committed a burglary at the estate. The man was apprehended in Lynchburg, Virginia, returned to Pennsylvania, and sentenced to death. He was subsequently executed on May 18, 1953.
Officer Mathews was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and had served with the Abington Township Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife and son.