Philadelphia Police Sergeant Killed In Crash
By Wyatt Earp | November 18, 2008
Jesus Christ, not again. I worked with Tim Simpson in my first patrol assignment. Good man. Ironically, he took over Sergeant Stephen Liczbinski’s squad after he was killed in the line of duty earlier this year. It is also the second LODD in the 24th District – where I worked for six years – in six months. His is the fifth Line of Duty Death we have had this year.
A Philadelphia police sergeant was killed in violent collision with a suspected intoxicated driver in Port Richmond late Monday night.
Sergeant Timothy Simpson, 46, was reportedly responding to a robbery call when he was involved in a crash with a black Camaro at the intersection of Allegheny and Aramingo Avenues at about 10:30 p.m.
Witnesses reported the Camaro was traveling at a high rate of speed and had run a red light at the time of the collision. The impact sent Sgt. Simspon’s cruiser into a nearby building while the Camaro struck a light pole. Rescue crews rushed Simpson to Temple University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at about 11:05 p.m.
Sergeant Simpson, a 20-year veteran with the 24th District, is survived by a wife and three children.
Police reportedly recovered drugs in the vehicle and the driver is believed to have been intoxicated at the time. The identities of the two have not been released, but Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said both have been taken into custody and have lengthy criminal histories.
The deadly crash remains under investigation. Sgt. Simpson is the fifth officer killed in the line of duty in the past year. (H/T – CBS3)
This year cannot end soon enough. Please pray for Tim and his family.
Here is the information on the memorial fund if you would like to contribute to Tim’s family:
By mailing a check payable to:
The Timmy Simpson Family Memorial Trust Fund
Police & Fire Federal Credit Union
901 Arch Street
Philadelphia PA, 19107
Topics: Simpson Murder | 25 Comments »
November 18th, 2008 at 10:27 am
My sincere condolences on the loss of your friend and colleague.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:40 am
I’m guessing the other guy is perfectly fine.
Crap.
I’m really sorry. Prayers for his family and co-workers.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Mark – Thank you very much. It’s been a terrible year for all of us.
Doghouse – The article said that two people in the Camaro were injured, but the condition was unknown. I doubt they will die from their injuries. In my experience, drunk drivers that kill innocent people rarely do.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Been a rough year for you Wyatt. My condolences.
In cases like these, I’m in favor of bringing back public executions–summary public executions.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Cbullitt – I wouldn’t argue against that today. Killed by a drunk driver. Just completely senseless.
November 18th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
My sincere condolences, sir. My department just had a motor officer killed last week, when a vehicle turned in front of him. He was thrown from the bike and had his leg traumatically amputated immediately.
BZ
November 18th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I’m so sorry to hear that Wyatt. My condolences.
November 18th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
My prayers are with the department and Sgt. Simpsons family.
November 18th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Cbs3 said he told officers everytime he was caught buying heroin he was going to flee.Why? i have a scumbag brother thats gotten that intentionally posses controlled substances hundreds of times.Your in the can for 3 hours than get ror.Then on a joke probation .Theres no getting locked up on that charge alone.So why did he kill an officer,a father,a husband.Cause he couldnt sit in jail for 3 hours? It just makes no sense..
November 18th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I saw this on the news last night and only wondered the type of “aminal” (as my 3 y/o says) was driving the car.
Now we find out (surprise) the aminal has a lengthy criminal history that includes the recent possession of a stolen shotgun. A crime for which he was released? Oh yes, the aminal also caused a fatality a couple of years ago while driving under the influence.
Prayers for the family and friends.
November 18th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
The loss of a brother officer is a very hard thing. My condolances
November 18th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
My condolences, Wyatt. Damn, this must be really hitting close to home. As for the guy that cause the accident, yes, he’s alive, but from what I was hearing around the noon time broadcast, it sounds like he and his passenger are going to soon wish he had been still in jail instead of being released last Friday. That’s right folks, the driver was in jail for another reason last Friday and someone was stupid enough to let the goon loose. Oh, and he also wasn’t suppose to be by the wheel, as he had a suspended license, and wasn’t suppose to get it back any time soon. Don’t you just love this. I don’t. And my brother is just waiting for someone to say, ‘But he was a nice boy’ to ram his fist down their throat. Are we upset? Oh, you noticed.
November 18th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
My condolences and prayers Wyatt. Words can’t express how much I despise drunk and impared drivers.
I only wish I was a judge, I’d give them maximum sentences.
November 18th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Good God, the officer is dead and the moron responsible is still alive?? What the hell??
There are so many injustices in this story, I don’t even know where to begin.
My prayers and condolences to his family and fellow officers.
November 18th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I used to live in Sgt Tim’s neighborhood and I was a great friend of his daughter. I definitely cried in math class when I saw her on the news. I was hysterical. I just don’t know what to do to help, but I will do anything.
November 18th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Thank you, everyone. It’s been a very bad year.
November 18th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I’m so very sorry at this terrible, terrible loss. My heart goes out to his family – no words are sufficient…
The nature of this job is there are no guarantees that when you strap on your gear you’ll return home. God bless the men & women in blue.
November 18th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
My condolences to the family, you and the force.
November 18th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Sad and awful.
November 18th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Our sincerest sympathies for this man’s family, friends and coworkers. It’s hard to swallow sometimes that the good guys die and the bad guys flourish so often.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Wyatt,
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s been a very sad, very rough year for all of you at the PPD. I’m not sure how much more you all can take. It’s devastating.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at the PPD, and with Sgt. Simpson’s family.
May he R.I.P.
November 18th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Thoughts and prayers for y’all and the family… RIP Sarge
November 19th, 2008 at 2:43 am
Thanks again, folks. I’m sure my irrational bloodlust will subside in a day or two, but for now, I’m just really pissed off.
November 19th, 2008 at 3:06 am
[...] the urban predators have for innocent life. No punishment is too harsh for Sgt. Simpsons killer. Check out SYLG for Wyatt’s coverage and feelings about once again senselessly losing a friend and [...]
November 19th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
NOT AGAIN!!! It’s a tough and sad time for the good guys.
Wyatt, so sorry for the loss of your friend/colleague and for a protector of law and order.
There’s really not enough we can say. Thanks to all who take on the badge and have to deal with scumbags and risk losing their own lives in dealing with said scumbags. I know there’s no financial gain that could be worth that risk, and I know sometimes when we try to describe the honor of those wearing the badge it’s easy for others to be cynical and dismissive, but it’s true- I believe there’s no higher honor.
I know this has got to weigh on you, your family and those who serve on the Philly PD. My prayers are with you.