Police Officer John N. Blanford

John N. Blanford

Police Officer John Blanford suffered a fatal heart attack after struggling with a subject he had arrested for disorderly conduct at approximately 7:00 am.

He was walking to the police station to report to duty when encountered the man near the intersection of 18th Street and Walnut Street acting in a disorderly manner. He placed the man under arrest and began walking him to the police station at 15th Street and Locust Street. After walking several blocks the man began to struggle with Officer Blanford and attempted to escape.

Officer Blanford was able to subdue him and continued to the police station, where the man again attempted to escape. He was subdued by Policeman Blanford and other officers and placed in a cell. Officer Blanford collapsed moments later.

Officer Blanford had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 33 years and was assigned to the 5th District. He was survived by his wife.