Police Officer Benjamin Ellsden

Police Officer Benjamin Ellsden

Newark Police Division, New Jersey

End of Watch Thursday, July 13, 1876

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Benjamin Ellsden

Police Officer Benjamin Ellsden was shot and killed when he and another officer attempted to serve a warrant at the home of three brothers at their home at 101 Jackson Street.

The brothers opened fire on the officers with revolvers, killing Officer Ellsden and wounding his partner. The three suspects then ran to a nearby factory to seek revenge on the man who had sworn out the warrant. On the way to the factory they fired their weapons indiscriminately, killing two citizens.

Once they arrived at the factory they ran out of ammunition. The factory workers then chased the three to the river bank and stoned them before drowning them in the river.

Officer Ellsden had served with the agency for only two weeks.

Bio

  • Age 39
  • Tour 2 weeks
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; Revolver
  • Offender Killed by mob

warrant service

Most Recent Reflection

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Thank you for your service and please know that no passage of time will ever erase your sacrifice. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 13, 2020

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