Police Officer Thomas Francis "Mongo" McMahon

Police Officer Thomas Francis "Mongo" McMahon

Richmond Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Wednesday, October 14, 1998

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Thomas Francis "Mongo" McMahon

Police Officer Thomas McMahon was shot and killed after a vehicle was chased into Richmond from an adjoining jurisdiction.

An officer from the Henrico County Police Department attempted to stop the suspect on I-95 after reports that he was driving erratically. The suspect then led the officer on a slow-speed chase through a shopping center and fired several shots at the officer.

Richmond Police joined the chase and were able to stop the truck near 26th and S streets. The suspect then opened fire from inside his truck, striking Officer McMahon in the upper body, abdomen, and arm. Although he was wearing a Kevlar vest, the fatal shot struck him in the femoral artery, causing him to bleed to death. Officer McMahon had not yet exited his vehicle before being shot.

The suspect then held other officers at bay for several hours before opening fire on them again. Officers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.

Officer McMahon was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Richmond Police Department for 20 years. He was survived by his fiancee, his mother, and his father.

Bio

  • Age 46
  • Tour 20 years
  • Badge 365
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Shot and killed

vehicle pursuit

Most Recent Reflection

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Office Mongo walked the beat in my neighbord - Shockoe Bottom - in the time before his passing.

He was a very approachable and warm person - it was obvious he enjoyed serving the community and making friends and acquaintances on the job.

One spring afternoon my friend and I were tossing a rugby ball on North 17th St near Weiman's Bakery - in the middle of the street. He approached and we had a nice conversation. He walked off smiling and in a happy mood. That's how I remember him.

He was a good guy.

I still think of him all these years later.

Jon - citizen
Friend

July 16, 2025

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