Patrolman Albert William Devlin

Patrolman Albert William Devlin

McCandless Township Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Monday, January 8, 1973

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Albert William Devlin

Patrolman Albert Devlin was killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of McKnight Road and Braunlich Drive in Ross Township while pursuing a stolen vehicle occupied by an adult and two juveniles.

The vehicle had been stolen in Pittsburgh and was spotted by an officer with Harmony Township Police Department in Butler County. Harmony Township police terminated the pursuit once it crossed into Allegheny County and was taken up by McCandless Township Police Department. Patrolman Devlin positioned his vehicle across two lanes of traffic on McKnight Road, where the stolen vehicle swerved around him and nearly struck him.

The chase continued a short distance away into a restaurant parking lot where the stolen vehicle was abandoned. The three occupants fled on foot over a hillside, where they stole a second vehicle that had been idling. As Patrolman Devlin was pursuing the second stolen vehicle, he attempted to run it off the road but was hit broadside. The impact knocked both vehicles into several utility poles, causing Patrolman Devlin to be ejected from his vehicle. The adult and two juveniles then fled the scene of the accident on foot. Patrolman Devlin was rushed to North Hills Passavant Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The subjects were arrested by detectives from the Ross Township Police Department, McCandless Township Police Department, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police the next day. The 19-year-old driver was apprehended and charged with Patrolman Devlin's murder. On May 23rd, 1973, while out on bond and awaiting trial for the murder of Patrolman Devlin, the suspect was arrested in a parked vehicle with a minor by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. The man was charged with a narcotics violation and corrupting the morals of a minor. On June 27th, 1973, he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, corrupting the morals of a minor, auto larceny, and traffic violations. He was sentenced to three consecutive one to three years in prison in connection with the murder of Patrolman Devlin. The two juveniles were referred to the juvenile justice system.

Patrolman Devlin was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the McCandless Township Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and three sons.

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge 12
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicle pursuit
  • Weapon Automobile
  • Offender Sentenced to 3 years

juvenile offender, stolen vehicle, vehicle pursuit

Most Recent Reflection

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Patrolman Devlin,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Office but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 8, 2023

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