Patrolman George W. Duryea

George W. Duryea

Patrolman George Duryea was shot and killed at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 62nd Street while assisting in the arrest of a gang of thieves who had been operating in the area.

Patrolman Duryea was pursuing the suspects on foot when one of the suspects turned and fired two shots from a revolver. One of the shots struck Patrolman Duryea in the head, killing him instantly.

The suspects fled the scene. One of the fleeing suspects was captured by another patrolman and a crowd of civilians who had come to the aid of the police. The suspect who murdered Patrolman Duryea was able to escape and fled to Columbus, Ohio, where he was arrested in November 1865 and returned to New York City to face trial.

Patrolman Duryea served with the New York Metropolitan Police Department for 11 years and was assigned to the 19th Precinct (present-day 17th Precinct). He was survived by his wife and seven children.