Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Wednesday, March 6, 1991
Add to My HeroesJoseph John Grill
Police Officer Joseph Grill and Thomas Herron were killed in an auto accident while in pursuit of two stolen vehicles. Their patrol wagon collided with another patrol wagon near the intersection of 26th Street and Sarah Street shortly before 10:00 am.
During the chase, both vehicles had split up and were continuing to be followed by Officers Grill and Herron. While pursuing the second vehicle on Sarah Street, their patrol wagon was broadsided by a second police wagon that was entering the pursuit on 26th Street. The 18-year-old suspect abandoned the stolen vehicle a few blocks away shortly after the crash.
On March 14, the suspect was arrested at City Court while attending a hearing related to an unrelated charge of robbery. Investigators learned of the suspect's identity shortly after the accident and were unable to locate him but were aware of the scheduled court hearing. The driver of the first stolen vehicle was arrested the same day, several blocks from the accident scene. On October 9, 1991, the 18-year-old suspect pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of homicide by motor vehicle. The suspect was sentenced to 9 1/2 years to 29 years in prison.
Officer Grill had served with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for 25 years and was assigned to Zone 3 South Side. He was survived by his wife, three daughters, and three sons.
Bio
- Age 59
- Tour 25 years, 9 months
- Badge 1375
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicle pursuit
- Weapon Not available
- Offender Sentenced to 9 1/2 years to 29 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 34 ReflectionsGod rest his soul.
Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Ret.
August 31, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks
United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service, US
EOW: April 29, 2024
Investigator William "Alden" Elliott
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, NC
EOW: April 29, 2024
Investigator Samuel Poloche
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, NC
EOW: April 29, 2024
Police Officer Joshua Eyer
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, NC
EOW: April 29, 2024
Police Officer Russell Croxton
Dubach Police Department, LA
EOW: April 27, 2024
Sergeant Ian Taylor
Billerica Police Department, MA
EOW: April 26, 2024
Police Officer Kyle Hicks
Corpus Christi Police Department, TX
EOW: April 24, 2024
Investigator John Hampton Coddou, III
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024