Sergeant Cornelius A. O'Donnell
New Jersey State Police
New Jersey
End of Watch: Monday, July 16, 1945

Biographical Info
Age: 42
Tour of Duty: 17 years
Badge Number: 367

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, July 16, 1945
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Not available

Sergeant O'Donnell was shot and killed as he and another trooper escorted a prisoner back to New Jersey. The prisoner had been arrested in Pennsylvania and had agreed to turn himself in to New Jersey authorities.

Sergeant O'Donnell and another trooper met the suspect on the Pennsylvania side of a railroad bridge and began to walk the suspect back across the river. As they got to the midpoint of the bridge the suspect attempted to jump over the railing, but was stopped by Sergeant O'Donnell.

During the ensuing struggle the suspect was able to grab Sergeant O'Donnell's revolver and shot him twice in the abdomen, causing fatal wounds.

Sergeant O'Donnell had served with the agency for 17 years. He was survived by his wife.