Memorial for Philly police officer disappears 30 years after he was killed in the line of duty

PHILADELPHIA, PA- The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge Five is offering a cash reward of $5,000 for any information leading to the arrest of those responsible for stealing a memorial plaque honoring a Philadelphia police officer who was killed in the line of duty over 30 years ago.

According to CBS News, the plaque was installed on the 2000 block of South Broad Street, near Snyder Avenue, after Officer Charles Knox was shot and killed in the line of duty in that area in 1992. On Tuesday, November 12th, an officer patrolling in the 1st District noticed that the plaque was missing. 

The Fraternal Order of Police and management of a nearby Walgreens store told officers that no one had permission to remove the plaque honoring the fallen hero. 

As police investigate what happened, they are reviewing surveillance camera footge in an effort to determine when the plaque was removed. Officer Knox arrived on scene at an armed robbery at Broad Street and Snyder Avenue on the evening of August 30, 1992. Knox entered the Roy Rogers fast food restaurant that was being robbed and came face-to-face with a suspect holding a gun to the store manager's head.

Knox ordered the suspect to drop the weapon, but instead, the suspect lunged at Knox and the two got into a physical altercation. While the officer and the armed suspect were struggling, another suspect came out from the manager's office and shot Know, killing him. Both suspects were arrested and charged with the death of Officer Knox, later recieving life sentences in prison for their roles in the fatal shooting.

The memorial plaque showing Knox's name, badge, and a note that he "died in the line of duty protecting the citizens of Philadelphia" on August 30, 1992, was later installed on a sidewalk at the intersection. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said in a statement, "The Philadelphia Police Department is committed to preserving the memory of our fallen officers. We are taking this matter very seriously and are asking anyone with information to please come forward."

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge Five President Roosevelt Poplar said in a statement, "I'm saddened and angered that someone would allegedly steal a missing memorial plaque dedicated to one of our beloved heroes, Officer Charles Knox. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Knox family on this sad day. Knox served our great city with integrity and professionalism and is sorely missed by his friends and colleagues in the Philadelphia Police Department."

According to NBC10, Knox had spent two years with the Philadelphia Police Department before losing his life in the line of duty. 6ABC reported that the plaque was placed in 2008. Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said, "A lot of us use these plaques to remember what occurred, and it angers you when you see something like this happened. So, we're really urging someone to let us know." Anyone with any information is asked to contact 215-686-TIPS or the South Detectives Division at 215-686-3013.
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