New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch Friday, July 26, 1957
Add to My HeroesEdward J. O'Leary
Patrolman Edward O'Leary was killed when a prisoner grabbed the steering wheel of his patrol car, intentionally causing it to crash.
He was working a plainclothes assignment and had arrested the woman for prostitution. He was transporting her to the police station when she grabbed the steering wheel at the intersection of Central Park West and West 105th Street. The woman yanked the steering wheel, causing the patrol car to strike an oncoming bus head-on. Patrolman O'Leary suffered severe head injuries and was transported to Knickerbocker Hospital where he died two days later. Six passengers on the bus suffered minor injuries.
The 21-year-old woman fled the scene in a taxi cab but turned herself in. She was charged with prostitution, escaping custody, and murder. In court her attorney said she just wanted to escape because she was afraid of the withdrawal symptoms she would go through if she could not get her heroin. She was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to one year in jail. In 1959 she was arrested for possession of heroin with intent to sell.
Patrolman O'Leary had served with the New York City Police Department for 11 years and was assigned to the 7th Division. He was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 37
- Tour 11 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Incident Date Wednesday, July 24, 1957
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Sentenced to 1 year
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsMy father died 62 years ago today. Today we remember his loss and celebrate his life. Very special thanks to the NYPD 34th Precinct, the Officer Down Memorial site, the NYPD Angels and Sgt. Brenda Graham NYPD Transit Bureau K9 Division who gave her partner my father's name - my father's memory lives on. May God bless all our heroes who continue to serve us and may those heroes who have left us rest in peace.
Patricia Skrocki
Daughter of Patrolman Edward J. O'Leary
July 26, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths

Officer Carlos Mendoza
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: February 24, 2021

Lieutenant Justin Bedwell
Decatur County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: March 1, 2021

Officer Cesar Dangaran Sibonga
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: February 7, 2021

Major Estaban "Stevie" Ramirez, III
Bell County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 16, 2021

Reserve Deputy Constable Martinus Mitchum
Second City Court of New Orleans Constable's Office, LA
EOW: February 26, 2021

Police Officer Dominic J. Winum
Stanley Police Department, VA
EOW: February 26, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Albanese
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: February 25, 2021

Corrections Officer IV Vicky James
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: February 10, 2021

Corrections Officer IV Tawiwo Obele
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: February 16, 2021