John O'Connell
 River City Fraternal Order of Police Remembers Jefferson County Police Officer H.C Conner
Date of Death
River City Fraternal Order of Police Remembers Jefferson County Police Officer H.C Conner
Thursday, July 8, 1869
Rank:
 Patrolman
Assignment:
 Foot Patrolman
Age:
 Not Available
Incident Date:
 Thursday, July 8, 1869
Incident Location:
 Not Available
Cause of Death:
 Gunfire (Accidental)
Suspect Name:
 Not Applicable
Weapon Involved:
 Handgun
Case Status:
 Closed

Officer O'Connell was accidentally shot and killed by other officers who mistook him for a burglary suspect.

Officer O'Connell and two other officers stopped to talk with a female friend. Two of the officers jokingly attempted to grab Officer O'Connell under the arms. Laughing, Officer O'Connell broke away and started to run. The two officers yelled "stop, thief" as he was running away.

Officers who were nearby, who did not know Officer O'Connell was a policeman, opened fire, striking Officer O'Connell in the back.