Kansas City Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch Saturday, December 23, 1916
Add to My HeroesJohn F. Houlehan
Patrolman John Houlehan was shot when he and his partner attempted to question a suspicious man near Park and Independence Avenues. The suspect pulled a revolver from inside his coat; shot Patrolman Houlehan, and then engaged in a running gun fight with his partner. As they entered a dark alley his partner was shot in the hip. Several citizens attracted to the scene chased down the suspect and detained him as other officers arrived.
Patrolman Houlehan died seven days later from his wounds. He had been with the agency for 20 years.
In February of 1917 the 22-year-old suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. On December 9, 1917, he was admitted to the prison hospital with two broken ankles after an unsuccessful attempt to escape. As he scaled down the outside wall his rope broke. In 1919 he made another unsuccessful attempt to escape. He was transferred to the Fulton Insane Asylum on January 4, 1921, and died there on January 10, 1931.
Bio
- Age 60
- Tour 20 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Saturday, December 16, 1916
- Weapon Handgun; Revolver
- Offender Died in mental hospital in 1931
Most Recent Reflection
View all 5 ReflectionsIt has been 108 years since your tragic death. your 7 days of suffering must have been immense. Your Service and sacrifice are honored today. You will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace Patrolman Houlehan.
Elizabeth
Widow of Deputy Michael Haugen.
Riverside County Sheriffs Department
December 23, 2024
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