Joseph Boyle

End of Watch: Friday, October 7, 1887

Biographical Info

Age: 32

Tour of Duty: 1 year

Rank: Patrolman

Assignment: Patrol

Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire

Date of Incident: October 7, 1887

Incident Location: Intersection of Market Street and 4th Street

Weapon Used: Handgun, .38 caliber

Case Status: Closed

Joseph Boyle headshot

Narrative

Patrolman Joseph Boyle was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for disorderly conduct near the intersection of Market Street and 4th Street.

The subject had become drunk at a nearby saloon and refused Patrolman Boyle's request to leave the area after he came onto the street. The man shot Patrolman Boyle three (3) times after being struck by the policeman's club.

Charges against the man were dismissed based on a self-defense claim. The man committed suicide six (6) years later as a direct result of the shooting. 

Patrolman Boyle had served the department for one (1) year. He is survived by his siblings.

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