Chief of Police Edward James O'Reilly, Orange Police Department, Texas

Chief of Police Edward James O'Reilly

Orange Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Wednesday, May 29, 1935

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Edward James O'Reilly

Chief O'Reilly was shot and killed around 1:15 p.m. at Main and 5th Streets by a suspect he had arrested the previous day for impersonating a Texas Ranger.

On the previous day, Chief O'Reilly disarmed a local preacher who was representing himself as a Texas Ranger. When Chief O'Reilly confirmed that the preacher was not a sworn peace officer, he arrested him and brought him before the county attorney who released the preacher without any charges. The suspect, minister of the First Baptist Church, was upset that Chief O'Reilly had taken his weapons and on the following day drove by and shot him in the head with a shotgun.

He was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison but was released after four years and was later pardoned in 1943.

Chief O'Reilly was survived by his wife and child.

Bio

Age 41
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Sentenced to 5 years

ambush, revenge

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Most Recent Reflection

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Chief 0’Reilly,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Orange.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 29, 2025