Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Michael Crawshaw was shot and killed in an ambush while responding to a call in the 200 block of Johnston Road. He had been the first officer to arrive on the scene and had parked two houses away to wait for backup.
As he waited he reported to dispatchers that he heard gunfire from inside the home and he then unholstered his weapon. Moments later a suspect exited the home and immediately opened fire with an AK-47, fatally striking Patrolman Crawshaw several times as he was still sitting in his patrol car.
The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended a short time later. A preliminary investigation determined the suspect had gone to the home to collect on a drug debt and had murdered an occupant of the home prior to opening fire on Patrolman Crawshaw. In January 2013, the suspect was convicted of first degree murder for murdering the occupant of the home and second degree murder for the murder of Patrolman Crawshaw.
Patrolman Crawshaw had served with the Penn Hills Police Department for two and a half years. He had previously served with the University of Pittsburgh Police Department for four years.
The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended a short time later. A preliminary investigation determined the suspect had gone to the home to collect on a drug debt and had murdered an occupant of the home prior to opening fire on Patrolman Crawshaw. In January 2013, the suspect was convicted of first degree murder for murdering the occupant of the home and second degree murder for the murder of Patrolman Crawshaw.
Patrolman Crawshaw had served with the Penn Hills Police Department for two and a half years. He had previously served with the University of Pittsburgh Police Department for four years.
Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.
Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:
“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]
[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]
And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526 The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry January 8th, 2024
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Crawshaw gave the Penn Hills Township Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Penn Hills community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Crawshaw.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Michael James Crawshaw 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 Penn Hills Township Police Department, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Michael James Crawshaw's cause is highlighted.
How Michael James Crawshaw Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life imprisonment
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael James Crawshaw is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael James Crawshaw was killed by rifle; ak-47.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Penn Hills Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
