Detective Corporal John Robert Christian, Jr.

Detective Corporal John Robert Christian, Jr.

Harrisburg Police Bureau, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Tuesday, April 18, 1978

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John Robert Christian, Jr.

Detective Corporal John Christian was shot and killed while moonlighting as a uniformed security officer at a Beer Distributor at 8:30 pm. He was informed of a robbery in progress in the Beer Distributors grocery store area and was shot and killed as he approached the robbery suspects outside as they were leaving the store. He was taken to Harrisburg Hospital where he died of his wounds three hours later.

The 33-year-old suspect was apprehended in Trenton, New Jersey three days later. When Trenton and Harrisburg police officers raided his girlfriend's apartment they shot and seriously wounded him when he opened fire on them. The suspect was found guilty of First Degree Murder, four armed robberies, and sentenced to life plus four 10 to 20 year terms.

Detective Corporal Christian was a U.S Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Harrisburg Police Bureau for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

  • Age 35
  • Tour 11 years, 6 months
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life

off duty, robbery attempt, secondary employment

Most Recent Reflection

View all 14 Reflections

Thank you grandpa for giving me someone to look up to for my career. I really wish you could of been here to watch me grow.
Love ya pap

John Robert Christian IV
Grandson

December 20, 2021

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