Patrolman John M. Claridge
Memphis Police Department
Tennessee
End of Watch: Tuesday, April 23, 1867

Biographical Info
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 10 months
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, April 23, 1867
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Not available

Patrolman Claridge was shot and killed after responding to a large disturbance he and his partner heard while walking their beat. Patrolman Claridge and his partner found a large number of intoxicated men fighting when they arrived. Several of the men attacked Patrolman Claridge and his partner, beating them severely. One of the men fired a shot, striking Patrolman Claridge in the head. All the men fled the scene after the shot was fired.

Patrolman Claridge was brought to a doctor, but died several hours later.

Patrolman Claridge had been with the agency for just 10 months.