Officer Succumbs To Exhaust Fumes

September 1975

Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday, September 17, 1975 for Southwestern District Officer Edward S. Sherman who died September 13, 1975 as the result of. a unique and tragic set of circumstances.

Officer Sherman, 28, a 5 year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department was found unconscious in his patrol car by two fellow officers who were on routine patrol.

The following excerpts from investigative reports shed light on what caused the officer to succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning:

"At about 0718 hours this date, Officer Gary Martin and Officer R. Gooden, working 812 car, responded to the rear of Edgewood Elementary School . . . to try up same. Upon arrival they found 811 car . . . on the rear lot with the motor running and all of the windows rolled up tight. "The car was butted against a chain link fence with a deep undergrowth (of weeds) . . . After attempting to arouse the officer by beating on the windows . . . Officer Martin broke the right front window and pulled Officer Sherman from the vehicle. While on the scene Officer Martin checked Officer Sherman's vital signs and could find none. . . "

Extensive tests were made using the same automobile in an effort to ascertain exactly what caused carbon monoxide, in amounts sufficient to cause a fatality, to accumulate in the passenger area. Results of these tests pointed to three factors, which in the opinion of the experts, caused the high carbon monoxide level:

1. The patrol unit was backed to a chain link fence which was covered by a high growth of weeds.

2. The engine of the vehicle was left running" for an extended period of time. All of the windows were closed. The heater was not in use.

3. A small strip of rubber molding (weather stripping) underneath the trunk door near the locking mechanism was missing. (See photograph below.)

Subsequent tests made on 1973, 1974 and 1975 model marked patrol units indicated that the absence of any of the above listed circumstances would not have caused fatal levels of carbon monoxide to accumulate in the passenger section of these vehicles.

Commanding officers subsequently caused an inspection of all vehicles in all districts and divisions in order to determine if the rubber molding was intact and that the rubber grommets (where appropriate) on the trunk floor were in place. On going checks will continue. The rubber molding or rubber grommets can be repaired or replaced quickly in any defective Departmental vehicles.

In order to prevent similar tragedies in the future all motor vehicle operators are to make certain that the rear of the vehicle is clear of any obstruction when it is to be parked with the engine running. Additionally windows should be opened as far as comfort permits whenever heaters are in use.