John O'Connell

Narrative

Patrolman John O'Connell was accidentally shot and killed by other officers who mistook him for a burglary suspect.

Patrolman O'Connell and two (2) other officers stopped to talk to a female friend. Two of the officers jokingly attempted to grab Patrolman O'Connell under the arms.

Laughing, Officer O'Connell broke away and started to run. The two (2)  officers yelled "stop, thief" as he did so. Three (3) other officers who were nearby, who did not know Officer O'Connell was a policeman, opened fire, striking him in the back.

Patrolman O'Connell is survived by his wife.