Probationary Patrolman John J. McCormack

John J. McCormack

Patrolman John McCormack was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest an armed suspect who had just fired shots inside a saloon.

Patrolman McCormack was walking his beat on 7th Avenue near 138th Street in Manhattan when he was approached by a woman who asked the Patrolman to help remove her intoxicated husband from a Saloon. Patrolman McCormack entered the saloon and found that the man had already left, so he resumed his patrol duties.

About ten minutes later Patrolman McCormack heard the sound of gunshots from inside the saloon. The female who had approached him earlier was running from the saloon with her husband in close pursuit, brandishing an automatic pistol. Patrolman McCormack gave chase and soon caught up with the suspect. When Patrolman McCormack ordered the suspect to stop, the suspect turned and fired four shots, two of which struck Patrolman McCormack.

The suspect then fled on foot but was apprehended a short time later by two other Patrolman.

Patrolman McCormack was removed to the hospital and died of his injuries a short time later.

Patrolman McCormack had been with the New York City Police Department for only 20 days and was survived by his wife and three children. He was assigned to the to the 38th Precinct, the present-day 32nd Precinct.