Detective Lieutenant John McCarthy

Detective Lieutenant John McCarthy

Toledo Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, January 7, 1947

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John McCarthy

Detective John McCarthy was shot and killed shortly after arresting two men and a woman for passing bad checks.

Detective McCarthy and two other detectives went to arrest two men and a woman who were in a bar two blocks from the police station and were wanted for passing bad checks. The officers searched the two men, but not the woman. When they all got in the police car and started the two-block drive, the woman gave each man a pistol. A gun battle ensued, killing Detective McCarthy and both male suspects. Both of the other officers were wounded but recovered.

The woman was unharmed and received a six-month sentence for passing bad checks.

Detective McCarthy had served with the Toledo Police Department for 23 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and two grandchildren.

Bio

  • Age 58
  • Tour 23 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and killed

arrest

Most Recent Reflection

View all 15 Reflections

This is a really incredible story and I wish we could have known more about Detective McCarthy. As a student interested in criminal justice, learning about him has been inspiring. I attend the Criminal Justice course at the Grundy Area Vocational Center, and an assignment was given to us which requires us to choose a fallen officer to write and present on, and I chose Detective McCarthy. He has a great story that I'm proud to share.

Ariana Ramos

January 19, 2023

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