Off-duty police officer killed in motorcycle crash in South Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- An off-duty Philadelphia police officer was killed in a motorcycle accident Tuesday night in South Philadelphia.

The officer has been identified as 27-year-old Thomas Munz.

The crash happened around 6:40 p.m. along the 3300 block of South Broad Street, which is near the Sports Complex.

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 on Broad.

The motorcycle then hit the curb and the officer was ejected onto the roadway. He was pronounced dead on the scene, according to police.

Investigators said the driver of the SUV remained at the scene.

"It's a big loss for us and the Philadelphia Police Department," said Chief Inspector Scott Small.

Small said the officer was wearing a helmet.

"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," Small said.

Officer Munz had been with the police department for four years and was assigned to the 18th District.

District Attorney Larry Krasner issued a statement sending his condolences to the officer's family.

"The events leading up to the crash are currently being investigated, and we stand ready to support the PPD and other involved agencies as needed," Krasner said.

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.

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

Wallace was holding a knife and going through a mental breakdown at the time.

Wallace's family later settled a $2.5 million lawsuit with Philadelphia after the city agreed to equip all patrol officers with Tasers.

RELATED: One year after Wallace shooting, we ask: Do more Philadelphia police officers have Tasers?

Krasner commented on Wallace's death in his statement.

"My office's investigation of the 2020 shooting death by police of Walter Wallace, Jr., a 27-year-old father of nine, is nearing the end of its course. We will have no further comment until such time as a resolution can be announced," Krasner said.

Accident investigators are reviewing evidence around the motorcycle crash where Officer Munz lost his life.

Sources said Munz would have turned 28-years-old next week.