Patrolman Edward Holmes

Edward Holmes

Patrolman Edward Holmes succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained on August 30th, 1865, when he was shot in the abdomen by a man whom he had attempted to serve a warrant on.

He had been given a warrant to serve on the subject, who had stolen luggage from a local hotel the previous day. The man resisted arrest when Patrolman Holmes attempted to arrest him and a struggle ensued. Several of the man's friends then interfered with the arrest and were able to help the man escape.

Patrolman Holmes obtained additional warrants for the man and his friends for resisting arrest. When the subject learned of the additional warrants he purchased a revolver. Later that evening Patrolman Holmes and another officer located the man at Fends Cellar, on Main Street, and again attempted to arrest him. The man again resisted arrest and then shot Patrolman Holmes in the abdomen before fleeing.

The man was arrested the following day.

Patrolman Holmes was taken to his home where his condition deteriorated until he passed away on September 23rd, 1865.

The subject was convicted of larceny and murder and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Patrolman Holmes had been appointed to the Johnstown Police Department the day before being shot. He was survived by his wife and two children.