Officer Philip Bruce Mathis, Atlanta Police Department, Georgia

Officer Philip Bruce Mathis

Atlanta Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Friday, April 26, 1985

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Philip Bruce Mathis

Officer Mathis was shot and killed while moonlighting as a security guard at Lenox Square Mall at 3393 Peachtree Road North East in Atlanta.

Around 8:30 p.m., he was shot three times as he entered a storage room and surprised a possible burglar.

The suspect was arrested five months later after multiple tips. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.

Officer Mathis was a United States Army National Guard veteran and had served with the Atlanta Police Department for 16 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, parents, sister, and brother.

Bio

Age 38
Tour 16 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Life in prison

secondary employment

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Most Recent Reflection

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I thought about you today. How you made rookie cop laugh himself to tears in the elevator at 165 Decatur St on the way to Municipal court.

I remember your funeral and your daughter in a white dress going down the line of police officers. I found out late she became a teacher. I stood beside John Lewis who was a City Councilman at the time. Where are leaders like that....

Sgt. William S. Cooper, Retired
Atlanta Police Department, Motor Unit

August 28, 2023