Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch Wednesday, October 17, 1923
Add to My HeroesJohn Purcell
Officer John Purcell and his partner were in plainclothes and on patrol near 3rd Street and Virginia Avenue, SW, when they happened upon a group of burglars in an alley.
The suspects opened fire, wounding both officers. They were both able to return fire and fatally wound a suspect. Officer Purcell succumbed to his wounds later.
Officer Purcell had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for 20 years and was assigned to the Fourth Precinct. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 45
- Tour 20 years
- Badge 656
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender One shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsOfficer Purcell,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the District of Columbia.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
October 17, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Jeremy R. Labonte
Roswell Police Department, GA
EOW: February 7, 2025
Officer Jason Roscow
North Las Vegas Police Department, NV
EOW: February 4, 2025
Major Jeffrey A. Burke
New Jersey State Police, NJ
EOW: December 31, 2024
Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly
Delaware State Police, DE
EOW: December 21, 2024
Officer Baldino Morales-Sánchez
Mayagüez Municipal Police Department, PR
EOW: January 25, 2025
Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: January 20, 2025
Sergeant Mark Butler
Navasota Police Department, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025
Police Officer II Colton Dale Pulsipher
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: December 12, 2024