New York Metropolitan Police Force, New York
End of Watch: Thursday, August 25, 1864
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 21, 1864
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Charged with murder
Patrolman John O'Brien was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest a wanted fugitive. Patrolman O'Brien spotted the suspect as he walked his beat. Patrolman O'Brien pursued the suspect into a liquor store at the corner of 41st Street and 8th Avenue and attempted to arrest him. The suspect drew a pistol and shot Patrolman O'Brien in the head. Although wounded, Patrolman O'Brien pursued the suspect to 40th street, where he collapsed from loss of blood. Patrolman O'Brien was removed to the hospital where he died four days later from his wounds.
The suspect was apprehended 14 years later and charged with murder.
Patrolman O'Brien was assigned to the 17th Precinct. He was survived by his wife and two children and is buried in Brooklyn, New York.