Johnstown Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Saturday, September 23, 1865
Add to My HeroesEdward Holmes
Patrolman Edward Holmes succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained on August 30th, 1865, when he was shot in the abdomen by a man whom he had attempted to serve a warrant on.
He had been given a warrant to serve on the subject, who had stolen luggage from a local hotel the previous day. The man resisted arrest when Patrolman Holmes attempted to arrest him and a struggle ensued. Several of the man's friends then interfered with the arrest and were able to help the man escape.
Patrolman Holmes obtained additional warrants for the man and his friends for resisting arrest. When the subject learned of the additional warrants he purchased a revolver. Later that evening Patrolman Holmes and another officer located the man at Fends Cellar, on Main Street, and again attempted to arrest him. The man again resisted arrest and then shot Patrolman Holmes in the abdomen before fleeing.
The man was arrested the following day.
Patrolman Holmes was taken to his home where his condition deteriorated until he passed away on September 23rd, 1865.
The subject was convicted of larceny and murder and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Patrolman Holmes had been appointed to the Johnstown Police Department the day before being shot. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 3 weeks
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Wednesday, August 30, 1865
- Weapon Handgun; Revolver
- Offender Sentenced to 12 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 6 ReflectionsMost of society lives in a world that doesn’t recognize what gives them the comforts they live in. Because of you, and people like you, society can live that way.
You put the badge on to make the community a better place. You put the badge on for justice. You put the badge on to save life. You put the badge on for the principles it represents. The badges didn’t make you a hero, the badge was worn by a hero. To your family, and the generations that followed, thank you for your service. Be proud of this man.
Sergeant Christian Yanchula
Forensic Services
Indian River County Sheriff's Office
September 23, 2022
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