PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia police want the public's help in locating a missing plaque honoring an officer killed in the line of duty more than 30 years ago.
A memorial plaque dedicated to Officer Charles Knox, who was killed on Aug. 30, 1992, disappeared from the sidewalk where it was installed along South Broad Street, near Snyder Avenue.
Knox was shot to death during an armed robbery at a fast food restaurant near that intersection. His partner was also shot but survived. Two brothers were later arrested and charged for their involvement. Both were ultimately sentenced to life in prison.
Police said an officer on routine patrol Tuesday night discovered the plaque was missing. Investigators determined it was removed without permission and may have been missing for an extended period of time.
“The location that is there now is a Walgreens pharmacy,” said Roosevelt Poplar, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5. “We just got word that they were closing down, so we weren't sure if they had removed it. But talking with people from Walgreens, they don't have any idea as to how the plaque got removed.”
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.”
Poplar called the theft of the plaque, which is valued around $2,000, “disgraceful.”
“It’s heartbreaking to us to know that someone will do something like that to one of the fallen heroes in the City of Philadelphia,” he said.
The FOP has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the theft. Anyone with information about the missing plaque is urged to contact the South Detectives Division or call 215-686-TIPS to leave an anonymous tip.