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Incident
Detective Albert Lorch was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend a burglary suspect on Ruthaven Street in Pittsburgh. Detective Lorch was accompanying two Shaler Township police officers in searching for the suspect. When they located him, the man began struggling with Detective Lorch. The man disarmed him and then shot him several times, killing him. The 35-year-old suspect had recently been released from prison after serving 12 years for armed robbery. Ten days later, he was shot and killed by detectives in Pittsburgh. Detective Lorch had served with the Allegheny County Police Department for six years. He is buried at Birmingham Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Lorch gave the Allegheny County Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pittsburgh community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Lorch.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Allegheny County Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Albert is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Albert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Albert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1943, 2 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1943, 66 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1943, 86 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 79th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Albert was 63. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Albert had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Albert was 63. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Albert had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Albert was 63. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Albert had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Fridays: 15.6%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Allegheny County Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Allegheny County Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Albert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Allegheny County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
