Officer John Purcell, Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

Officer John Purcell

Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

End of Watch Wednesday, October 17, 1923

John Purcell

Officer John Purcell and his partner were in plainclothes and on patrol near 3rd Street and Virginia Avenue, SW, when they happened upon a group of burglars in an alley.

The suspects opened fire, wounding both officers. They were both able to return fire and fatally wound a suspect. Officer Purcell succumbed to his wounds later.

Officer Purcell had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for 20 years and was assigned to the Fourth Precinct. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour 20 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender One shot and killed

burglary

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Purcell,
On today, the 92nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the District of Columbia.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 17, 2015