Penn Hills Township Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Saturday, March 25, 1972
Add to My HeroesWilliam Edward Schrott
Sergeant William Schrott and Officer Bartley Connolly were shot and killed while working uniformed off-duty security jobs at a local mall.
A petite female subject had just attempted an armed robbery at the store Sergeant Schrott was working at. Thinking the woman was a little girl because of her build, Sergeant Schrott attempted to talk her into dropping the gun, but instead, she shot him. Witnesses ran to another store where Sergeant Connolly was working. He attempted to take the same action Sergeant Schrott took and was also shot and killed.
An off-duty Pittsburgh police officer shot the woman in the leg and was then shot by a responding Penn Hills Police officer who mistook him as the shooter of Sergeant Schrott and Officer Connolly.
The woman was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Sergeant Schrott was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and had served with the Penn Hills Police Department for 22 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 49
- Tour 21 years, 7 months
- Badge SERGEANT
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Related LODD Deaths
Patrolman Bartley J. Connolly, Jr.
Penn Hills Township Police Department, PA
EOW: March 25, 1972
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsI was there on the day that Officer Connolly and Schrott passed away. I was 11 years old and trust me as the memorial in front of the municipal building states "We will not forget" stands true. My mom, brother and I were in the five and dime on that courtyard when the third officer came in covered in the blood of his fallen brothers. Never could forget that image or what those guys did to protect us that day.
I was supposed to get a brand new bicycle that day but that did not happen. On the way home from East Hills a song was playing on the radio. No matter where I traveled throughout the last 47 years I would always be riveted back to that courtyard when I heard the song. Little did I know how much relevance the song had. For some it takes them to the Lion King. For me, not so much.
And you all have heard it...
In the Jungle, the mighty Jungle, the lion sleeps tonight
In the Jungle, the quiet Jungle , the lion sleeps tonight
Many thanks to the brave lions that particular day.
Not an officer
Little boy in the courtyard
June 12, 2019
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