Patrolman John T. Delehanty

John T. Delehanty

Patrolman Delehanty was assaulted as he returned to the station house after working a plain cloths assignment. When Patrolman Delehanty and his partner reached the corner of East 34th Street and 2nd Avenue, in Manhattan, they came across a group of intoxicated males acting disorderly. Patrolman Delehanty ordered the loudest of the group to quiet down. The suspect refused and Patrolman Delehanty attempted to seize the suspect, who was an acrobat, but failed.

The suspect struck Patrolman Delehanty with both fists while at the same time tripping him to the ground. The suspect then struck Patrolman Delehanty with a sandbag, fracturing his skull. The suspect fled, but was apprehended by another Patrolman. Patrolman Delehanty died three days later from his injury.

This incident caused the Police Commissioner to restore long night sticks to the force.

Patrolman Delehanty was assigned t the 21st Precinct, the present day 13th Precinct. He was survived by his wife.