Detective Lieutenant John McCarthy
Toledo Police Department
Ohio
End of Watch: Tuesday, January 7, 1947

Biographical Info
Age: 58
Tour of Duty: 23 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, January 7, 1947
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Detective John McCarthy was shot and killed shortly after arresting two men and a woman for passing bad checks.

Detective McCarthy and two other detectives went to arrest two men and a woman who were in a bar two blocks from the police station and were wanted for passing bad checks. The officers searched the two men, but not the woman. When they all got in the police car and started the two block drive, the woman gave each man a pistol. A gun battle ensued, killing Detective McCarthy and both male suspects. Both of the other officers were wounded, but recovered.

The woman was unharmed and received a six-month sentence for passing bad checks.

Detective McCarthy had served with the agency for 23 years. He was survived by his wife, son and two grandchildren.