Police Officer George M. Mitchell

Police Officer George M. Mitchell

Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Saturday, December 31, 1949

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George M. Mitchell

Police Officer George Mitchell succumbed to a gunshot wound when he was shot by two robbers while he and another officer were on stakeout duty in a grocery store at Gratz and Berks streets.

At 6:00 p.m. on December 30, 1949, two men entered the store and robbed a cashier of $70.00. When Officer Mitchell arrived one of the subjects pulled out a gun and shot Officer Mitchell. The other officer chased the subjects, but they evaded capture.

Officer Mitchell was transported to the Homeopathic Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds the next day.

Five weeks later, two men, 24 and 33, arrested a week earlier for another crime, confessed to the robbery. The younger said he shot Officer Mitchell and was also identified by the cashier. The older suspect was sentenced to life and the younger to death. In 1955, his sentence was commuted to life.

Officer Mitchell was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and served with the Philadelphia Police Department for four years. He was the father of two small children.

Bio

  • Age 39
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge 3184
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Friday, December 30, 1949
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced commuted to life

robbery in progress, stakeout

Most Recent Reflection

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Uncle George, I was only 5 years old when you were killed. Your dedication and scarifice you made for your country will never be forgotten.

Thomas Wroblewski

March 19, 2024

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