Police Officer John O'Connell
Louisville Police Department
Kentucky
End of Watch: Thursday, July 8, 1869

Biographical Info
Age: Not available
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Accidental)
Date of Incident: Thursday, July 8, 1869
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Not available

Officer O'Connell was accidentally shot and killed by other officers who mistook him for a burglary suspect. Officer O'Connell and two other officers stopped to talk with a female friend. Two of the officers jokingly attempted to grab Officer O'Connell under the arms.

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