Cheswick Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Wednesday, August 26, 1931
Add to My HeroesJohn Polcsak
Patrolman John Polcsak was killed in a motorcycle crash while pursuing two subjects wanted for theft shortly after midnight.
A man and a 14-year-old girl had stolen $2,800 from the girl's mother the previous week. A Springdale constable had obtained warrants for both subjects and attempted to arrest them, but the two fled in a vehicle into Cheswick. Patrolman Polcsak and a state highway patrol officer joined the pursuit and chased the subjects into Harmar Township.
As the pursuit approached the Hulton Bridge, on Freeport Road, Patrolman Polcsak's motorcycle was sideswiped by another car and he crashed. The constable and highway patrolman terminated the pursuit and transported Patrolman Polcsak to Citizens General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 11:00 am.
Both subjects were arrested later the in the day by the Springdale constable and members of the Pittsburgh Police Department.
Patrolman Polcsak had served with the Cheswick Borough Police Department for three years.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 3 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicle pursuit
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 5 ReflectionsRest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 26, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024