Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Toby Brown was shot and killed by a suspect as the man was being placed into a patrol car near the intersection of Vespucius Street and Second Avenue. The incident occurred in a parked radio cruiser as three officers sought to arrest two men accused of molesting several victims on Second Avenue. As one of the suspects resisted arrest and being placed into the patrol car, he drew .45 caliber handgun and began firing, striking Patrolman Brown in the chest and head, and a second officer in the chest. The third officer on the scene was able to return fire, fatally wounding the man in the head. Patrolman Brown was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Patrolman Brown had served with the Pittsburgh Police Department for 14 years and had previously served with the United States Army in World War I. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons. One of Patrolman Brown's sons, a grandson, and a great-grandson all served in law enforcement.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-B41326EC- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Brown gave the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police 15 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Tobias J. "Toby" Brown served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Tobias J. "Toby" Brown 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 Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, 45 of 101 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 44.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Tobias J. "Toby" Brown's cause is highlighted.
How Tobias J. "Toby" Brown Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Tobias J. "Toby" Brown is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Tobias J. "Toby" Brown was killed by handgun; .45 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
100 officers from Pittsburgh Bureau of Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
