Springfield Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Tuesday, July 14, 1931
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: 59
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Date of Incident: July 14, 1931
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Donnelly was killed in an automobile crash at the intersection of Limestone Street and Main Street while riding on the running board of a commandeered vehicle.
Patrolman Donnelly was on traffic duty at a nearby intersection when he observed a vehicle that had been stolen earlier in the day. Unbeknownst to him, the vehicle had already been recovered and was being driven by the owner. As a result, he commandeered a utility company truck and followed the vehicle. The vehicle he was riding on was involved in a collision causing him to be thrown from the vehicle and then struck by another vehicle. He was transported to City Hospital where he died a short time later.
Patrolman Donnelly had served with the Springfield Police Department for 6 years during two different appointments. He was survived by his wife and brother, who was also a member of the agency.
He was buried in Calvary Cemetery at Springfield, Clark County, Ohio.