Baltimore City Police Department, Maryland
End of Watch Thursday, September 14, 1871
Add to My HeroesJohn H. Richards
Detective Richards succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained two weeks earlier while attempting to question a man about a stolen satchel. The suspect, a store clerk, had been accused of stealing a customer's satchel that was full of papers and money. The suspect informed the detective of the incident and Detective Richards went to the question the man.
The suspect was located in front of the store on Franklin Street and Detective Richards called out to him. The suspect suddenly produced a revolver, causing the unarmed Detective Richards to pull out his club and close the distance between the two. One shot was fired by the suspect, striking Detective Richards' arm and entering his upper chest.
A group of citizens observed the shooting and started to chase the suspect. The man attempted to shoot at the group but the gun misfired. As he examined the gun to determine why it misfired, he pulled the trigger and accidentally shot himself in the head.
Detective Richards was taken to his home where his condition became increasingly worse. He succumbed to the wound two weeks later.
Detective Richards was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 41
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Thursday, August 31, 1871
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsDet. Richards,
On today, the 150th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Baltimore.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
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September 14, 2021
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