Holly MatkinPhiladelphia, PA – Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) Officer Thomas Munz died on May 24 after an SUV pulled out onto the street in front of him, according to police.
The 27-year-old off-duty officer was riding his black 2011 Kawasaki Ninja southbound in the 3300-block of South Broad Street when the crash occurred at approximately 6:40 p.m., The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Police said Officer Munz collided with the rear driver’s side door of a gray 2018 Chevrolet Equinox as it pulled out of a parking lot onto Broad Street, according to WPVI.
The collision ejected him from his motorcycle and he landed in the roadway, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Officer Munz was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 7 p.m.
The driver of the Equinox remained at the scene.
PPD Officer Tanya Little said the investigation into the fatal collision remained ongoing, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Officer Munz served the PPD for five years and was assigned to the 18th District.
He was one of two officers involved in the Oct. 2020 officer-involved shooting death of a suspect who repeatedly advanced on them with a long, silver-bladed knife in his right hand, ignoring their dozens of commands to stop, bodycam footage showed.
The death of the suspect, Walter Wallace, triggered anti-police riots nationwide.
The PPD ultimately determined the officer-involved shooting was justified, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
PPD Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said the department is devastated over the loss of Officer Munz.
“Quite frankly, we’re all still processing,” Commissioner Outlaw told The Philadelphia Inquirer. “A lot of folks here are grieving…We look forward to an expeditious investigation, but this is a time that as a community all of us are collectively mourning.”
Officer Munz leaves behind his girlfriend, Carly, and his mother, Mona, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Officer Munz was laid to rest on June 2.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Philadelphia Police Department Officer Thomas Munz, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
