Pennsylvania Coal and Iron Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Wednesday, March 16, 1892
Age: 51
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 16, 1892
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Convicted of murder
Policeman John Merget was shot and killed in a shootout with three tramps whom he another officer were attempting to arrest as they stole items from a boxcar near Tamaqua Borough, Pennsylvania.
The men had fled from Barnesville after being caught breaking into several homes and businesses. Barnesvile officials notified officers in Tamaqua that the men were heading towards that town. Policeman Merget and another officer started walking the railroad tracks towards Barnesville when they encountered the men in the boxcar near the freight depot.
The subject opened fire on the officers, killing Policeman Merget. They fled the scene but were captured by a posse the following day. Two of the men were convicted of second degree murder.
Policeman Merget was a Union Army veteran of the Civil War.