Officer John J. Smith, Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

Officer John J. Smith

Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

End of Watch Thursday, July 7, 1904

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John J. Smith

Officer John Smith was shot and killed by a soldier from Ft. Meyer during the 4th of July fireworks display.

Three soldiers were creating a scene on Aqueduct Bridge and Officer Smith asked them to move on. A struggle ensued between Officer Smith and one of the soldiers. During the struggle a second soldier fired with a .38 caliber handgun, striking Officer Smith in the stomach.

He succumbed to his wound three days later. The suspects were eventually apprehended. The gunman was tried and acquitted on April 12th, 1905.

Officer Smith was assigned to the 7th precinct and had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for 34 years. He was survived by his wife, six children, and his mother, and he is buried Mount Olivet Cemetery, Washington, DC.

Bio

Age 59
Tour 34 years
Badge 93

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Monday, July 4, 1904
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Acquitted

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Officer Smith,
On today, the 120th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 7, 2024