Sergeant Samuel Harrison Hewitt, Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

Sergeant Samuel Harrison Hewitt

Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Wednesday, April 23, 1947

Samuel Harrison Hewitt

Sergeant Samuel Hewitt and Officer James Quigley were shot and killed following a pursuit of a stolen vehicle. When the vehicle they were pursuing crashed at the intersection of Stenton Avenue and Sedgewick Street , the suspect fled on foot, then opened fire on Officers as they pursued him, Killing Sergeant Hewitt and Officer Quigley.

The suspect was convicted of both murders and sentenced to life in prison. He was released from prison in 1972 and, two years later, murdered his foster mother. He was sentenced to life in prison for that murder as well.

Sergeant Hewitt was a U.S Army veteran of WWII and had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 20 years. He was survived by his wife, and three grown children.

Bio

Age 46
Tour 20 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life

foot pursuit, stolen vehicle, vehicle pursuit

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

I have lived in East Mount Airy for 30 years, and frequently take walks through the neighborhood. It is a safe and pleasant, with beautiful homes and good neighbors. Tonight I was walking on Sedgwick and came across two commemorative plaques in th sidewalk. I had never noticed them before. They marked the spot where Officers Hewitt and Quigley were killed in 1947, several years before I was born. I noted their names and looked up the circumstances on their deaths when I got home. Even 71 years later, it is appropriate to memorialize their heroism, bravery and sacrifice, and give thanks for their lives.

Brian Flaherty
None, just an appreciative citizen

August 13, 2018