Plaque Dedicated To Slain Philadelphia Police Officer Missing

PHILADELPHIA — A memorial plaque dedicated to a fallen Philadelphia Police officer has gone missing, and authorities are asking for help finding it.

According to police, the plaque is dedicated to Officer Charles Knox, who died in the line of duty on Aug. 30, 1992, after being shot by a robber at the Roy Roger's located at 1401 Snyder Ave. The gunman and his accomplice were sentenced to life in prison.

The plaque's disappearance was discovered at about 8 p.m. Tuesday.

An officer on routine patrol noticed the plaque was missing from its location on the 2000 block of South Broad Street, prompting an investigation.

Police said both the Fraternal Order of Police and management at the nearby Walgreens store confirmed no one was granted permission to remove the plaque.

Photos of the site reveal a significant amount of dirt and debris, suggesting the plaque may have been missing for an extended period of time.

The department is reviewing footage from area cameras to determine if any evidence can be gathered regarding the plaque's disappearance.

"The Philadelphia Police Department is committed to preserving the memory of our fallen officers," Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel said. "We are taking this matter very seriously and are asking anyone with information to please come forward."

Anyone with information about the missing plaque is urged to contact South Detectives Division at 215-686-3013, or call 215-686-8477.