Memorial to Claude C. Koontz

End of Watch: November 30, 1925
Rank: Officer, Badge No. N/A
Years of Service: N/A
Age: N/A
Location of Death: 1100 Pennsylvania Ave, SW

Circumstance:

Officer Koontz was operating a motorcycle with Officer J.F. Reynolds in the sidecar. While chasing a speeding auto in front of the City Post Office, the motorcycle struck a car, causing Officer Koontz to be thrown, suffering a fatal head injury.
Officer Reynolds was only slightly injured.

Biography:

Motorcycle Officer Koontz was assigned to the Sixth Precinct. There is no further information available.

Articles from the Washington Post – transcribed by Dave Richardson, MPD/Ret.
THE DEATH OF OFFICER CLAUDE C. KOONTZ ON NOVEMBER 30, 1925.
PARTIAL WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE DATED DECEMBER 1, 1925, PAGE 1
1 DEAD, 2 DYING, SEVERAL HURT IN AUTO MISHAPS
Collision Injuries Fatal to Policeman; Man and Boy in Serious Condition
Motorcycle Policeman Claude C. Koontz, of the Sixth precinct, died at Casualty Hospital yesterday of a fractured skull suffered when thrown to the street Saturday night after his motorcycle struck a machine operated by David C. Brandon, of Alexandria, Va., in front of the City Post Office building.

Koontz, in company with Policeman J.F. Reynolds, who was riding in the side car of the motorcycle was chasing a speeder when the accident happened. Reynolds was only slightly injured, but Koontz, who was rushed to Casualty hospital in a taxicab, remained unconscious until he died.

(THE REMAINING PARTS OF THIS ARTICLE CONCERNED OTHER UNRELATED INCIDENTS.)