Erie Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch Wednesday, April 15, 1931
Add to My HeroesJohn W. Holt
Captain John Holt succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained on April 7th, 1931, while confronting several trespassers on Erie Railroad property along the Perry Highway one mile south of Meadville, Pennsylvania.
He had taken the day off to celebrate his birthday when he was called by headquarters and informed of the trespassers in a hobo encampment. He went alone to tell the men to move along but was attacked and disarmed. One of the men shot him with a .45 caliber pistol before they all fled. Captain Holt was able to crawl to the nearby highway where he was picked up by a citizen and taken to a local hospital.
His condition worsened and he died on April 15th, 1931.
Several men were arrested and one was charged with Captain Holt's murder.
Captain Holt was survived by his wife and four sons.
Bio
- Age 43
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Location Pennsylvania
- Incident Date Tuesday, April 7, 1931
- Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
- Offender Charged with murder
Most Recent Reflection
View all 2 ReflectionsCaptain Holt, thank you for your service in helping to protect one of the greatest assets of the United States, it's railroads. As the son of a man who started his long police career with the New York Central, I truly appreciate the work you do.
God Bless, Brother and may you forever Rest in Peace.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department
November 16, 2019
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