Officer John Purcell

John 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.