Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Max Lefkowitz was shot and killed with his own service weapon near the intersection of 5th Avenue and Market Street while attempting to arrest a man for disorderly conduct.
During the arrest, the suspect suddenly pulled out a knife and stabbed him 12 times. Although wounded, Patrolman Lefkowitz continued to struggle with the man. The suspect was able to gain control of Patrolman Lefkowitz's service weapon and shot him in the chest twice. The suspect fled the scene, but a blood trail led police to a box car, where he was found unconscious due to a loss of blood.
On October 12, 1924, the suspect, 32, was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years.
Patrolman Lefkowitz had served with the McKeesport Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-25ADF477- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Lefkowitz gave the McKeesport Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the McKeesport community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Lefkowitz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Max Lefkowitz is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At McKeesport Police Department, 4 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Max Lefkowitz's cause is highlighted.
How Max Lefkowitz Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 20 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Max Lefkowitz is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Max Lefkowitz was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from McKeesport Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
