Allegheny City Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Tuesday, November 9, 1880
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 10 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 9, 1880
Weapon Used: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 9 years
Police Officer John Wiggins was shot and killed on Ohio Street, near Union Avenue, while he and another officer were escorting two prisoners to jail. The officers had arrested the two for fighting outside of a saloon. As the group walked along Ohio Street one of the prisoners started yelling at the other, then pulled a revolver from his pocket, and shot Officer Wiggins in the face.
Officer Wiggins' partner pursued the subject and arrested him several blocks away. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 9 years.
Officer Wiggins had served with the Allegheny City Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife, two children, father, and siblings.