Sergeant Quin Edward O'Brien, Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin

Sergeant Quin Edward O'Brien

Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin

End of Watch Thursday, June 22, 1978

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Quin Edward O'Brien

Sergeant O'Brien and Deputy Michael Geszvain were shot and killed when a prisoner gained control of Deputy Geszvain's service weapon.

The officers were standing in court with the prisoner when the incident occurred. The suspect exchanged shots with another deputy on the first floor of the courthouse. Sergent O'Brien was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.

The suspect used an attorney as a shield to leave the courtroom. He was apprehended after taking a social worker hostage and forcing her to drive to Madison, Wisconsin. The man was sentenced to two counts of life in prison. He was up for parole in 2000, and it was denied for another 20 years.

Sergeant O'Brien was a United States Army and Marine veteran. He had served 24 years with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department. He is survived by his wife and seven children.

Bio

Age 50
Tour 24 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Wednesday, June 21, 1978
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

attending court, prisoner custody

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