Menu

Obituary for Special Officer George N. Barnett Jr.

Police Officer George Niel Barnett

Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Monday, November 28, 1910

 

 

George Barnett, 39
Philadelphia Police Officer

George Barnett, Jr., a Philadelphia Police Officer was killed in the line of duty November 28, 1910. Policeman Barnett was shot and killed while attempting to question a suspect of being involved in a burglary.


Officer Barnett was the son of George and Ann Barnett of Rowlandsville, Md and brother of Mary and William.  Sarah "Sadie" Grant of Camden, NJ married George about 1896, Son Harry L was born on June 26,1897.


Survived by his wife Sarah "Sadie" Grant Barnett and 13 yr old son Harry L. Barnett.

GEORGE NIEL BARNETT

Police Officer George Barnett was shot and killed at 41st Street and Pine Street while attempting to question a suspicious man he suspected of being involved in a burglary.

Despite being mortally wounded, Officer Barnett returned fire and shot and killed the suspect.


Officer Barnett, who was in plainclothes, approached the man and told him to take his hands out of his pockets. As the man complied he suddenly produced a revolver and shot officer Barnett.

Philadelphia Inquirer wrote “Barely conscious and with the burglar beating him on the head with the butt of gun, Barnett got his own pistol into play and shot a bullet through the burglar’s heart. After making a statement of Magistrate, Barnett stated ‘please don’t ask me questions, I'm dying, they got me this time.’ He died at University Hospital.”

The family was living at 4032 Locust St, Phila. when George was murdered two blocks away at 42nd and Pine Sts.A plaque dedication honoring his sacrifice was placed July 22, 2009 at 42nd and Pine where he died.




Officer Barnett had been assigned to the 21st district.

BIO

Age 39

Tour 13 years, 1 month

Badge 2118

INCIDENT DETAILS

Cause Gunfire

Weapon Handgun; Revolver

Offender Shot and killed