Police Officer August E. Labenz, Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

Police Officer August E. Labenz

Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Thursday, September 15, 1932

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August E. Labenz

Police Officer August Labenz succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained one week earlier while attempting to stop a man who began shooting into a crowd of spectators at the intersection of 9th Street and Market Street.

The spectators were listening to a street preacher when the man opened fire without warning. Officer Labenz, who was patrolling nearby, was shot as he ran toward the subject. Two citizens were also shot.

A group of bystanders began chasing the subject, who then committed suicide.

Officer Labenz had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 30
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Thursday, September 8, 1932
Weapon Handgun
Offender Committed suicide

weapons violation

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Most Recent Reflection

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Although I never got to meet August, he was my grandfather’s brother. Since researching and finding this a few years ago, every time I am at this intersection in Philadelphia, I think about him. All of my grandfather, Joseph Labenz, brothers and sisters, my Aunts and Uncles, were the most caring people you could ever meet. It makes sense that Uncle August, like so many other police officers and first responders, would put his life on the line for others.

Carolyn Blyzniuk
Niece

May 9, 2023