Incident
Policeman Edwin Welsh was killed by a hit-run driver while riding in a police motorcycle sidecar at Torresdale Avenue and Paul Street. Policeman Welsh and his partner were attempting to pull over a motorist for speeding and had positioned their motorcycle to force the suspect to stop. The suspect then intentionally struck both officers as they both sat on the motorcycle. Policeman Welsh and his partner were both taken to Frankford Hospital where Policeman Welsh was pronounced dead. His partner was treated for serious injuries and recovered. The suspect fled the scene and was arrested an hour later at his home.
Survivors
Policeman Welsh served with the Philadelphia Police Department for less than three years and was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-D553B21F- 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.
Policeman Welsh gave the Philadelphia Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Welsh.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Edwin W. Welsh 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 Philadelphia Police Department, 162 of 378 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Edwin W. Welsh's cause is highlighted.
How Edwin W. Welsh Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Edwin W. Welsh is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.
Incident Location
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