Corporal Joseph Raymond Pokorny, Jr.

Corporal Joseph Raymond Pokorny, Jr.

Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Monday, December 12, 2005

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Joseph Raymond Pokorny, Jr.

Corporal Joseph Pokorny was shot and killed following a short pursuit near an exit ramp from I-376 in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, shortly after 2:00 am.

A violent struggle ensued after the driver of the vehicle crashed. During the struggle the suspect was able to gain control of Corporal Pokorny's service weapon. The suspect then shot him in the neck and chest. The round that struck him in the chest entered an area around his armpit not protected by his vest. The suspect then stole Corporal Pokorny's service weapon and fled the scene.

Several minutes later, a Carnegie police officer who happened to be driving by the scene, located Corporal Pokorny's body in a snowbank approximately 25-feet from his patrol car. A second handgun was found underneath Corporal Pokorny.

The suspect, who had been on parole for less than one month, was taken into custody later in the day and officially charged with Corporal Pokorny's murder two days later. On October 24th, 2007, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Corporal Pokorny had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 22-1/2 years, and was assigned to Troop B, Pittsburgh. He is survived by his son, daughter, and parents. His son graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police academy on March 15th, 2013.

On May 3rd, 2007, a section of I-279 was dedicated as the Corporal Joseph Raymond Pokorny Jr. Memorial Highway.

Bio

  • Age 45
  • Tour 22 years, 6 months
  • Badge 4648

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life

vehicle pursuit

Most Recent Reflection

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I vowed to never forget your name. 17 years later, I’m reflecting. I didn’t know you but understood you paid the ultimate price that night. I was in town for the Steelers Bears game. Checked in at the Extended Stay America, I was up when I heard what I thought was a car accident or a car back firing. It wasn’t until the knock at our door from the police, that I learned otherwise. I will never forget the emotions that I felt. I vowed to carry you in my heart and honor your sacrifice by remembering you always. I pray for your family every time I think of you. RIP Cpl Pokorny, gone but not forgotten.

Amy
A life you touched

March 23, 2023

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