Bio & Incident Details
Age: 33
Tour: 7 years
Badge # 3029
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 3/15/1922
Weapon: Handgun; .45 caliber
Suspect: Executed in 1923
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Patrolman John McMail was shot and killed by a suspect he attempted to arrest for assault.
Patrolman McMail was on foot patrol when he was approached by a woman who told him she had been assaulted by a man who was standing on the corner of Sutter Avenue and Osborne Street, Brooklyn. Patrolman McMail went to the corner and approached the suspect. The suspect fled on foot and Patrolman McMail pursued him. As he was running, the suspect turned and fired from two .45 caliber revolvers he had, striking Patrolman McMail in the head.
The suspect continued to flee, but was shot and wounded by a the owner of a private security company, Samuel Cohen, who had witnessed what had happened. The suspect was apprehended and they found him armed with four guns, a blackjack and manacles. He was convicted of Patrolman McMail's murder and executed at Sing Sing Prison on March 2, 1923.
Patrolman McMail had served with the New York City Police Department for 7 years and was assigned to the 85th Precinct. He was survived by his wife and two children.
