Officer Philip Bruce Mathis

Officer Philip Bruce Mathis | Atlanta Police Department, Georgia
Atlanta Police Department, Georgia
Officer Philip Bruce Mathis

Atlanta Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Friday, April 26, 1985

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Philip Bruce Mathis

Officer Mathis was shot and killed while moonlighting as a security guard at Lenox Square Mall at 3393 Peachtree Road North East in Atlanta.

Around 8:30 p.m., he was shot three times as he entered a storage room and surprised a possible burglar.

The suspect was arrested five months later after multiple tips. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.

Officer Mathis was a United States Army National Guard veteran and had served with the Atlanta Police Department for 16 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, parents, sister, and brother.

Bio

  • Age 38
  • Tour 16 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Life in prison

secondary employment

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I thought about you today. How you made rookie cop laugh himself to tears in the elevator at 165 Decatur St on the way to Municipal court.

I remember your funeral and your daughter in a white dress going down the line of police officers. I found out late she became a teacher. I stood beside John Lewis who was a City Councilman at the time. Where are leaders like that....

Sgt. William S. Cooper, Retired
Atlanta Police Department, Motor Unit

August 28, 2023

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