Memorial plaque honoring fallen Philadelphia police officer Charles Knox is missing

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A plaque dedicated to a fallen Philadelphia police officer has disappeared and now investigators are trying to figure out what happened to it.

The plaque was placed in memory of Ofc. Charles Knox, who was killed in the line of duty in the summer of 1992.

It was installed at a sidewalk location in the 2000 block of South Broad Street in South Philadelphia. During a patrol on Tuesday evening, an officer noticed that the plaque was missing.

It is not known when the plaque was removed. Researchers say the amount of dirt and debris in the area means it’s possible the plaque has been missing for some time.

Investigators contacted the Fraternal Order of Police and management of the nearby Walgreens store, but were unable to find anyone who authorized the plaque’s move.

Police are now examining footage from the Real-Time Crime Center cameras in the area for possible clues.

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

If you can assist with the investigation, you are urged to contact the South Detectives Division at 215-686-3013. You can also call or text the police tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

Cop shot during armed robbery

Ofc. Knox was shot on August 30, 1992 around 8:30 PM while responding to an armed robbery at a Roy Rogers restaurant in the 1400 block of Snyder Avenue.

Knox entered the restaurant and saw a suspect holding a gun to the manager’s head. He ordered the suspect to drop his weapon, but the suspect came at him.

During the struggle, police say a second suspect came out of the manager’s office behind Knox, put a gun under his vest and fired.

Knox fell and the suspect shot him again as he lay on the ground.

Both suspects were sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Officer Knox.

He had served on the Philadelphia Police Department for more than two years.