Philadelphia Officer from Walter Wallace Jr. Shooting Dies in Motorcycle Crash

An off-duty Philadelphia police officer, who was involved in a fatal shooting that led to riots in 2020, was killed in a motorcycle accident Tuesday night in South Philadelphia. Thomas Munz, 27, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said Munz was on his motorcycle when he came in contact with the rear driver's side of a Chevrolet SUV that was coming out of a parking lot, reports 6ABC .

The contact caused the motorcycle driver to lose control and police tell FOX29 he struck the curb at the median, causing his body to then strike a light pole.

Police report Munz was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

"It's unknown if speed was a factor at this time, so it may just be a tragic accident, but hopefully the cameras can provide more information," says Chief Inspector Scott Small. "It's a big loss for us and the Philadelphia Police Department."

Munz was involved in an incident that gained national attention in 2020 when he was one of two officers who shot and killed Walter Wallace Jr. a mentally distressed man who was waving a knife. Officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the edged weapon.

 The shooting was captured on body camera video and led to days of protests and riots.