Detective Sergeant John J. Moriarty

John J. Moriarty

Detective Moriarty died of an accidental gunshot fired by another detective when he and several other detectives confronted several burglary suspects inside 306 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan at 5 p.m.

Detective Moriarty was assigned to the loft building squad and had been following two suspects for several weeks when they were observed entering the building and stealing silks valued at $100,000. Upon being discovered by police, one of the suspects fled by way of the roof, and Detective Moriarty gave chase. The two exchanged gunfire, and Detective Moriarty was struck in the neck with one shot by a fellow detective who was also exchanging gunfire with the suspect. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds eight days later. Both suspects were apprehended.

Detective Moriarty had served with the New York City Police Department for five years and was assigned to the 23rd Detective Division. He was survived by his wife and four children, two of whom became New York City Police officers after serving in World War II.