Harrisburg Police Bureau, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Saturday, July 20, 1963
Add to My HeroesBarry Penrose Karper
Patrol Officer Barry Karper and Patrol Officer Joseph O'Shura were killed in an automobile crash 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 Died at the scene
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsOfficer Karper,
On today, the 60th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
July 20, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Lieutenant Michael Hoosock
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Sergeant William Marty Jackson, II
Winchester Police Department, KY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Police Officer Ross Bartlett
Ceresco Police Department, NE
EOW: April 12, 2024
Chief of Police Steven Allen Singer
Lake Lafayette Police Department, MO
EOW: April 8, 2024
Correctional Sergeant Andrew John Faught
Illinois Department of Corrections, IL
EOW: April 8, 2024
Police Officer Joseph McKinney
Memphis Police Department, TN
EOW: April 12, 2024
Special Agent Derek Sean Baer
United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General, US
EOW: April 9, 2024