New York Municipal Police Force, New York
End of Watch: Wednesday, April 15, 1857
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Stabbed
Date of Incident: April 15, 1857
Weapon Used: Edged weapon; Knife
Suspect Info: Fled the scene
Patrolman Stephen Hardenbrook died after being stabbed with a 5-inch long dagger while attempting to arrest two burglars.
Patrolman Hardenbrook was on foot patrol at 0100 hours when he observed the two men coming from a closed clothing store at 295 West Street holding clothing. When he attempted to arrest the subjects, one of the men fled and the other began to struggle. The second suspect returned and stabbed Patrolman Hardenbrook as the Patrolman struggled with the first subject. Both men then fled.
A Patrolman found Patrolman Hardenbrook lying on the sidewalk and took him to his home where he succumbed to his wound approximately three hours later.
Patrolman Hardenbrook served with the New York Municipal Police Force for three years and was assigned to the 9th Ward (present-day 6th Precinct). His wife and child survived him.