Police Officer Thomas Francis "Mongo" McMahon

Police Officer Thomas Francis "Mongo" McMahon

Richmond Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Wednesday, October 14, 1998

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Thomas Francis "Mongo" McMahon

Police Officer Thomas McMahon was shot and killed after a vehicle was chased into Richmond from an adjoining jurisdiction.

An officer from the Henrico County Police Department attempted to stop the suspect on I-95 after reports that he was driving erratically. The suspect then led the officer on a slow speed chase through a shopping center and fired several shots at the officer.

Richmond Police joined the chase and were able to stop the truck near 26th and S streets. The suspect then opened fire from inside his truck, striking Officer McMahon in the upper body, abdomen, and arm. Although he was wearing a kevlar vest, the fatal shot struck him in the femoral artery, causing him to bleed to death. Officer McMahon had not yet exited his vehicle before being shot.

The suspect then held other officers at bay for several hours before opening fire on them again. Officers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.

Officer McMahon had been with the Richmond Police Department for 20 years. He was survived by his fiancee, his mother, and his father.

Bio

  • Age 46
  • Tour 20 years
  • Badge 365

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Shot and killed

vehicle pursuit

Most Recent Reflection

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I worked with Tom in 1974. We were assigned to the 411th MP Company at Fort Hood, Texas. He was a good friend and loved being an MP.

Detective Bill Vaughan, Retired LAPD
Los Angeles Police Department/411th MP Co., 720 MP Battalion, Ft Hood

February 9, 2021

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