Bio & Incident Details
Age: 52
Tour: Not available
Badge # Not available
Cause: Assault
Incident Date: 5/18/1852
Weapon: Blunt object
Suspect: Not available
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Watchmen William Pullan was beaten to death by suspects he and another Watchman were attempting to arrest for creating a disturbance. Watchman Pullan and his partner were walking their regular beat on Broad Street, in Providence, at approximately midnight when they heard the sound of people kicking over barrels and boxes. When they arrived at the source of the sound, they observed two men kicking over a barrel. Watchman Pullan's partner took one suspect into custody, but the second suspect fled.
As Watchman Pullan and his partner were walking with the one suspect, they observed that four men had surrounded an off-duty Watchman. Watchman Pullan and his partner ran over to help and were able to take three of the men into custody. As they were walking with them, another man attacked them with a club, striking Watchman Pullan several times in the head. When Watchman Pullan fell to the ground, he was beaten by the four suspects. Watchman Pullan's partner was also struck by the suspect, but he and the off-duty Watchman were able to frighten off the suspects.
Watchman Pullan was taken to his home and a doctor was summoned. The doctor was unable to treat Watchman Pullan and he died of his wounds at approximately 10:00 am.
Watchman Pullan was survived by his wife and six children.
