Roll of Honor
Incident
Private Sutton was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant for writing a bad check. He and the town constable of McConnellsburg were escorting the suspect out of a restaurant when he pulled out a handgun from his overcoat and shot Private Sutton. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wound. The suspect surrendered to a posse the next day 18 miles south of McConnellsburg. He told the jury at his trial that his pistol accidentally discharged when Private Sutton grabbed his arm. They believed him and he was acquitted on March 22, 1940.
Survivors
Private Sutton had been with the Pennsylvania Motor Police for just over two years and was survived by his mother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-43D609DD- 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.
Private Sutton gave the Pennsylvania Motor Police 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Harrisburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Private Sutton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Private Frederick J. Sutton 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 Pennsylvania Motor Police, 3 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Frederick J. Sutton's cause is highlighted.
How Frederick J. Sutton Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frederick J. Sutton is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frederick J. Sutton was killed by handgun; pistol.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Pennsylvania Motor Police are honored on badge.nw.
