Detective Sergeant Harry Wilson

Harry Wilson

Detective Sergeant Harry Wilson was shot and killed while he and his partner responded to a report of a person shooting from a window at 220 G Street, NW, during the 1919 Race Riots.

As the detectives reached the second floor of the home Sergeant Wilson was shot in the heart by the suspect who was hiding under a bed. Sergeant Wilson's partner was able to return fire and wounded the 17-year-old female suspect. The suspect was taken into custody, and convicted, but was released in 1921.

Home Defense Officer Isaac Halbfinger was shot and killed in a separate incident during the riots the following the day. Several other officers were also shot and wounded during the riots.

Sergeant Wilson had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and child and is buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Washington, DC.