Policeman John J. Toomey

John J. Toomey

Policeman John Toomey was accidentally shot by another officer during a raid at 172 East Chelton Avenue.

Officers were conducting a raid on an illegal gambling business. Officers surrounded the building, and subjects fled through the front and back doors. As an officer pursued a subject and fired his service weapon, the shot missed and hit Officer Toomey in the hip.

Officer Toomey was transported to Germantown Hospital, where physicians were able to save his life after four surgeries. He died as a result of complications two years later.

Policeman Toomey was a Pennsylvania National Guard veteran and served with the Philadelphia Police Department for five and a half years. He was survived by his wife and mother.