Patrol Officer Barry Penrose Karper

Patrol Officer Barry Penrose Karper

Harrisburg Police Bureau, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Saturday, July 20, 1963

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Barry Penrose Karper

Officer Barry Karper and Officer Joseph O'Shura were killed in an automobile accident at the end of a three mile long pursuit while chasing a stolen vehicle shortly after 1:30 am.

Both officers spotted a vehicle that was reported stolen a week earlier in the area of Market Street and immediately gave chase. As both officers were following behind the stolen vehicle the driver hit his brakes at a high rate of speed while attempting to make a right turn onto Division Street, losing control of the vehicle and striking a group of trees. Officer O'Shura, who was driving, swerved left to avoid striking the auto and struck the same group of trees.

The driver of the stolen vehicle and both officers were pronounced dead at the scene.

Officer Karper was a U.S Army veteran and served with the Harrisburg Police Bureau for six months. He was survived by both of his parents, sister, brother, and Maternal Grandmother.

Bio

  • Age 24
  • Tour 6 months
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicle pursuit
  • Weapon Automobile
  • Offender Not available

stolen vehicle, vehicle pursuit

Most Recent Reflection

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Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 20, 2020

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