Brunswick Police Department, Maryland
End of Watch: Tuesday, June 29, 1909
Age: 45
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: June 29, 1909
Weapon Used: Officer's nightstick
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Policeman William Orrison was attacked and beaten to death by a group of people after he arrested a 15-year-old boy at the park for stealing rides on a merry-go-round.
Policeman Orrison was on his way to the magistrate's office and had to walk past the boy's home. As they did so he was attacked by a dozen of the boy's friends and family. As he was being hit and kicked, one of the attackers jerked his nightstick from his hand and dealt him a terrific blow on the side of his head. As he fell to the ground the crowd disappeared. Policeman Orrison died without regaining consciousness.
The suspect who struck Policeman Orrison with his nightstick was identified, arrested, and charged with manslaughter. At his trial, the suspect's attorney acknowledged that his client struck the officer but argued that others struck him also, and they could have caused his death. The jury found him not guilty.
Policeman Orrison was survived by his wife and several children.