Police Officer Francis J. "Frank" Shannon

Francis J. "Frank" Shannon

Police Officer Frank Shannon was shot and killed by a man who was fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run accident. Officer Shannon was off duty when he heard the collision and went to investigate. When he asked the occupants of the car if they were okay they ran from the scene. Officer Shannon gave chase and caught the male subject but was knocked down by the man. The suspect then grabbed Officer Shannon's service weapon and shot him four times as he lay on the ground.

The suspect fled the scene but was arrested a short time later and charged with murder. The vehicle involved in the hit-and-rund turned out to be stolen. Officer Shannon was shot at the corner of Bloomfield Avenue and North 4th Street, across the street from his home.

The man, 23 who shot him was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. When he was 8-years-old he was sent to a reformatory school for larceny. He was paroled in 1979.

Officer Shannon had served with agency for four years. He was survived by his wife and three daughters.