Patrolman John James Wilding

John James Wilding

Patrolman John Wilding succumbed to injuries sustained the previous night at approximately 3:20 am while pursuing three juveniles who had stolen a vehicle.

The juveniles bailed out of the vehicle in the area of the 300 block of North Main Avenue with several officers, including Patrolman Wilding, chasing them on foot. Patrolman Wilding jumped over a small wall behind a restaurant at 301 North Main Avenue, not realizing that there was a 15-foot drop on the other side. He suffered a serious head injury as a result of the fall.

He was transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where he remained until succumbing to his injuries early the next morning.

All three juveniles were arrested and charged as adults with robbery, terroristic threats, and recklessly endangering another person. Additional charges were filed against all three defendants in 2017 while they were still in custody. They pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and were sentenced to 9-18 years in prison. One of the juveniles was granted parole in 2025.

Patrolman Wilding had served with the Scranton Police Department for one year. He is survived by his wife and two children.