Warden Thomas E. McCrea, Erie County Department of Corrections, Pennsylvania

Warden Thomas E. McCrea

Erie County Department of Corrections, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Thursday, November 19, 1896

Add to My Heroes

Thomas E. McCrea

Warden Thomas McCrea was killed when a prisoner he was transporting to prison by train attacked him and pulled him from the moving train approximately 11 miles outside of Pittsburgh.

Warden McCrea and a deputy were transporting several prisoners from the Erie County Jail to the Western Penitentiary, in Pittsburgh, when one of the prisoners was able to slip from his handcuffs. Warden McCrea attempted to restrain the prisoner, but when the prisoner jumped from the moving train, he grabbed a hold of Warden McCrea and pulled him from the train car. The inmate landed on top of Warden McCrea, killing him.

The inmate was seriously injured from the fall and was unable to escape. He was taken back into custody without any incident and later charged with murder.

Warden McCrea was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 48
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Assault
Weapon Person
Offender Charged with murder

transport

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 7 Reflections

Warden McCrea,
On today, the 125th anniversary of your death I would just like say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Erie County. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement then that of a Corrections Officer.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 19, 2021

Recent LODD Deaths

Air Interdiction Agent Jeffrey Kanas

United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Air and Marine Operations, US

EOW: December 16, 2024

Detention Officer Isaiah Bias

Ellis County Sheriff's Office, TX

EOW: December 16, 2024

Sergeant Elio Diaz

Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, FL

EOW: December 15, 2024

Sergeant Rick Finley

McNairy County Sheriff's Office, TN

EOW: December 14, 2024

Police Officer Jacob Candanoza

Terrell Police Department, TX

EOW: December 8, 2024

Detective Allan Reddins

Oak Park Police Department, IL

EOW: November 29, 2024

Police Officer Jesse Branch

Red Lake Nation Police Department, TR

EOW: November 27, 2024

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Love

United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, US

EOW: October 19, 2024

Police Officer Cooper Dawson

Greenville Police Department, TX

EOW: November 26, 2024