Rochester Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Sunday, December 30, 1888
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: 18 years
Badge Number: 208
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 29, 1888
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Patrolman William O'Neil succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day while arresting a subject at the intersection of Adams Street and Ford Street.
He had arrested the man for neglecting to support his family and was taking him to police headquarters. The man broke away from Patrolman O'Neil, drew a gun, and fatally shot him.
Patrolman O'Neil had served with the Rochester Police Department for 18 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.