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Patrolman James North | New York Municipal Police Department, New York
New York Municipal Police Department, New York

Patrolman

James North

New York Municipal Police Department, New York

End of Watch: Friday, August 21, 1885

Biographical Info

Age: 26
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Stabbed
Date of Incident: August 21, 1885
Weapon Used: Edged weapon; Knife
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life in prison

Patrolman North was stabbed to death by a disorderly male on his post.

Patrolman North was walking on Wall Street in Manhattan at approximately 2345 hours when he observed a disorderly man who had been drinking and harassing females at the corner of Wall Street and Broadway. The subject agreed to behave himself before he was sent on his way. When Patrolman North turned his back and walked away, the suspect doubled back and stabbed Patrolman North in the back.

A doctor who witnessed the incident attended to Patrolman North, while two other patrolmen chased and apprehended the fleeing suspect. As the doctor was attending to Patrolman North, he spoke his last words: "My poor wife and children."

The suspect, charged with first-degree murder, was later convicted. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Patrolman North was assigned to the 1st precinct. He was survived by his wife and children.