In a disheartening turn of events, a plaque commemorating the service and ultimate sacrifice of Philadelphia Police Officer Charles Knox has mysteriously disappeared, leaving both law enforcement and the community searching for answers. Installed in memory of Officer Knox who met a tragic end responding to a call of duty in 1992, the missing plaque was once embedded in the sidewalk of South Broad Street, as reported by PHL17.
The discovery came to light when, as per a news release obtained by NBC Philadelphia, an officer on patrol from the 1st District noticed the plaque's absence. The subsequent investigation indicated that no authorization for its removal had been given by either the Fraternal Order of Police or the management at the nearby Walgreens store, the absence of such a safeguard suggests the intent behind the plaque's disappearance to be shrouded in mystery.
Investigators have since turned their attention to footage from the area's Real-Time Crime Center cameras trying to uncover any leads that may illuminate the plaque's fate, as mentioned by 6abc. Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel emphasized the department's commitment to maintaining the memory of their fallen comrade, saying, "We are taking this matter very seriously and are asking anyone with information to please come forward." This statement echoes the community’s collective respect and the reverence owed to those who give their all in the line of duty.
Officer Knox's end came on August 30, 1992, after he was gunned down while interrupting an armed robbery at a Roy Roger’s restaurant on Snyder Avenue. He fell victim to a merciless act when, during a heated altercation, a gunshot slipped beneath his vest and ended his life; thereafter, his assailant, unrepentant, confirmed Knox's fate with a second shot to his cheek. Both offenders were eventually apprehended and sentenced to life in prison, as further detailed by PHL17.
Officer Knox, who served the Philadelphia Police Department with dedication for over two years, is survived in memory by his plaque's inscription, "Dedicated by his Family and Friends." Investigators urge anyone with information regarding the missing memorial to contact the South Detectives Division at 215-686-3013, or to call or text the police tipline at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
