Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Monday, April 6, 1970
Add to My HeroesHarry Lee Davis
Officer Davis succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained one month earlier when he and his partner responded to a holdup alarm at a local bar at the corner of 23rd Street and Christian Street. Upon arrival Officer Davis went to the front of the bar as his partner went around back. As Officer Davis entered the bar he confronted the suspect who shot him once in the chest with a .38 caliber revolver.
After hearing the shot, the other officer ran to the front of the bar where he saw Officer Davis collapse. He chased the suspect for two blocks and exchanged shots with him before arresting him inside an apartment.
The 43-year-old suspect was out of jail and under a bond for burglary. He was charged with murder after Officer Davis succumbed to his wound. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. He received an additional 10 to 20 years for burglary.
Officer Davis had served with the agency for 4 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour 4 years
- Badge 6848
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Sunday, March 8, 1970
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 20 ReflectionsDear Officer Davis,
Your Family's ongoing love for you comes through in their messages to you on here. That kind of love never ends. It is always hard to find words good enough to try to share the respect & sorrow felt by other Police families when an Officer's life is taken. It is our hope & our prayer that all these years later, your Family somehow knows you are held in the hearts of fellow Officers & their families. And always will be. To say thank you is never enough.
May your Family somehow find peace one day. Rest in the peace you have surely earned.
Mary Ellen Auman
Wife & Mother of Philadelphia Police Department Officers
April 24, 2020
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