John T O'Brien

End of Watch: Friday, November 5, 1897

Biographical Info

Age: 28

Tour of Duty: 2 years

Rank: Patrolman

Assignment: Patrol

Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire

Date of Incident: November 3, 1897

Incident Location: Jackson Street and Marshall Street

Weapon Used: Gun, unknown type

Case Status: Closed

Fallen Hero Generic Website

Narrative

Patrolman John O'Brien was shot and killed while investigating a disturbance on Marshall Street, between Hancock and Clay Streets.

Four (4) drunk men had started to chase another man who had been involved in an argument. One of the drunk men fell and Patrolman O'Brien, who was nearby, attempted to help him up. Another one of the men from the group saw Patrolman O'Brien helping the man and opened fire, wounding him in the abdomen.

After falling to the ground, Patrolman O'Brien returned fire and wounded the subject. Patrolman O'Brien was taken to a local hospital where he died two (2) days later. 

The man was arrested a short time later and charged with murder. Two of the other men were also charged in connection with the shooting. The man who shot Patrolman O'Brien was convicted of murder and sentenced to three (3) years in prison.

Patrolman O'Brien was with the department for two (2) years. He is survived by his mother and sister.

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