Washington City Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Friday, May 26, 1922
Add to My HeroesRichard Allen Thomas
Police Officer Richard Thomas was shot and killed from ambush while walking his beat near the intersection of Forrest Avenue and Highland Avenue.
Officer Thomas was leaving a store and was walking down the stairs from the front porch when he was shot without warning by a man on the sidewalk. He was struck in the face and killed instantly.
The subject who shot him was a criminal who was well known to police officers in the area, and he was married to Officer Thomas' niece. He fled the scene and remained at large for 10 years until turning himself in to the Baltimore Police Department, Maryland, in 1932. He was returned to Pennsylvania where he pleaded guilty to second degree murder and sentenced to nine to 18 years in prison.
Officer Thomas had served with the Washington City Police Department for only a few months. He was survived by his wife and 10 children.
Bio
- Age 42
- Tour 3 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to 18 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsI found out that I am a descendant of yours I am honored to carry the Thomas name, and bloodline although you were before my time you were a grandpa of mine. So the love is their always.
Althea Thomas-blackmon
Great Grandaughter
December 15, 2021
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