Patrolman Curtis D. Sowers

Patrolman Curtis D. Sowers

North York Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Tuesday, May 21, 1929

Add to My Heroes

Curtis D. Sowers

Patrolman Curtis Sowers was shot and killed as he and other area law enforcement officers attempted to arrest a man wanted for stealing two calves.

An arrest warrant had been issued for the man 6 months earlier, but the man fled to Virginia to avoid being arrested. The suspect eventually returned to York County and threatened to kill anyone who attempted to arrest him.

A local constable received information that the man was at his father's home. When the officers arrived, Patrolman Sowers covered the back door as the other officers went to the front door. When they knocked on the door, the man attempted to flee out the back but was confronted by Patrolman Sowers. The man opened fire with a shotgun, striking Patrolman Sowers in the face and killing him instantly.

The subject, 30, escaped but was arrested five days later by state troopers when he returned to the house in an attempt to get food. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life at hard labor. He was paroled in 1940 and returned to Eastern Penitentiary in 1950 for violating his parole. He applied for a parole in 1957.

Patrolman Sowers was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI. He had served with the North York Police Department for just under two years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 35
  • Tour 2 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life

larceny, warrant service

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

Thank you for your service, military as well as police, and please know that no passage of time can ever erase your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

May 21, 2021

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.