Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Thursday, April 17, 1980
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: April 17, 1980
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Trooper David Monahan was killed when his patrol car was intentionally rammed during a roadblock. Other troopers and local officers were chasing a serial burglary suspect in Chester County when the driver of the stolen vehicle struck the passenger side of Trooper Monahan's vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect and the other trooper were also injured.
The 24-year-old suspect and was charged with homicide by motor vehicle and second degree murder. He was convicted of both and sentenced to life.
Trooper Monahan was a U.S Air Force veteran of the Vietnam war and had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for nine years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.