Patrolman Maurice D. O'Brien

Maurice D. O'Brien

Patrolman Maurice O'Brien was shot and killed after breaking up a Craps game in the street.

Patrolman O'Brien was walking his beat when he came across a group of gangsters playing Craps in the street. One of the suspects fled, with Patrolman O'Brien in pursuit. In front of 57 W 113th Street, the suspect stopped and turned with a pistol in hand. Patrolman O'Brien attempted to draw his revolver but was slowed by a heart raincoat he was wearing. The suspect fired three times, striking Patrolman O'Brien in the head, chest, and right arm, killing him.

The suspect commandeered a passing taxi and fled the scene. Two suspects, 30 and 43, were arrested on June 9, 1931, and charged in relation to the murder of Patrolman O'Brien.


Patrolman O'Brien was assigned to the 28th Precinct. He was survived by his parents and three brothers and predeceased by his older brother.