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Incident
Officer Armstrong was shot and killed during a felony traffic stop of a suspect who had committed an armed robbery in Bristol Township. The suspect shot and killed Officer Armstrong and seriously wounded his canine partner during the stop. The 29-year-old suspect fled to Philadelphia where he was arrested three weeks later. He was convicted of murdering Officer Armstrong and sentenced to life in prison. In 1998 he was denied a new trial.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Armstrong served with the Bensalem Township Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Bensalem community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Armstrong.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bensalem Township Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1975, 7 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1975, 163 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1975, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 28. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
James was 28. 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.
James was 28. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 7.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Tuesdays: 12.7%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Bensalem Township Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, 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 gun, in 18.4% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Bensalem Township Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Bensalem Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
