Columbus Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch: Saturday, November 24, 1917
Age: 62
Tour of Duty: 29 years
Badge Number: 36
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 24, 1917
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Executed
Detective William O'Rourke was shot and killed while working a pawnshop detail.
He was attempting to arrest a subject for selling stolen property when the subject produced a gun and shot him several times.
The suspect was apprehended and executed in the electric chair.
Detective O'Rourke had served with the Columbus Division of Police for 29 years. He was survived by his wife and children.