Montgomery Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Tuesday, December 13, 1938
Add to My HeroesHenry E. Hand
Chief of Police Henry Hand was shot and killed in an unprovoked attack while walking on Houston Avenue at approximately 10:30 am. The suspect, who held a grudge against police officers, walked up to Chief Hand and opened fire on him with a shotgun without warning, shooting him twice.
The suspect, 34, was arrested and confessed to shooting Chief Hand. His signed written statement ending with "justice has been done". On June 16, 1939, he entered a plea of guilty of murder.
Chief Hand had served with the Montgomery Borough Police Department for three years and had previously served with the Pennsylvania State Highway Patrol. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 36
- Tour 3 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun
- Offender Convicted of murder
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsI am with the Montgomery Area Historical Society. Chief Henry Hand was killed while on duty, the morning of December 13, 1938. Would be interested if any relatives have pictures or information to pass on so we may keep it in our archives. You can go to our Facebook page (Montgomery Area Historical Society) and send a message so we may get in touch with you. Thank you.
Fae Herb
Montgomery Area Historical Society
September 1, 2024
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