Houston Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Sunday, August 13, 1916
Age: 54
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: August 13, 1916
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Police Officer James McCarl died after being kicked in the stomach while placing a prisoner in a jail cell at the borough's police department. He had just arrested the subject for being drunk and disorderly after being called to the man's home. Officer McCarl was unlocking the cell door when the man kicked him in the stomach, rupturing his bowels. The man then escaped, but was captured by angry citizens a short time later. Doctors tended to Officer McCarl's injuries but he died approximately two hours later.
The suspect was charged with murder. At his trial two doctors testified Officer McCarl died of shock due to internal injuries. The defense argued Officer McCarl died from heart trouble due to over exertion from dealing with the prisoner. He was acquitted.
Officer McCarl was survived by his wife, three daughters, and five sisters.