Portland Police Department, Maine
End of Watch: Saturday, July 30, 1932
Age:
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
Date of Incident: July 29, 1932
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Edward O'Donnell was struck by a vehicle and killed while attempting to flag down a possible motor vehicle violator on Forest Avenue.
Patrolman O'Donnell had gotten out of his car to check business doors on Forest Avenue in the area of Dartmouth Street. According to witnesses, he stepped into the street from between two parked cars and blew his whistle to stop a passing car when he was struck by another car. A second car then ran over Officer O'Donnell. He was transported to Maine General Hospital, where he died at approximately 12:30 the next morning without regaining consciousness.
After interviewing a witness and both drivers, it was determined that a combination of bad lighting, Officer O'Donnell's dark blue uniform, and his stepping into the road suddenly from between parked cars led to the crash and no charges were filed.
Patrolman O'Donnell was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWI and had served with the Portland Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.