Patrolman John E. Creedon, a 30-year-old male officer with the Utica Police Department, succumbed to a gunshot wound on February 18, 1909. The fatal injury was sustained a week earlier while he was on his beat. Creedon interrupted a burglary in progress at a sporting goods store on Blandina Street. Despite being mortally wounded, he managed to walk several blocks back to the police station to alert his fellow officers about the incident.
From the police station, Patrolman Creedon was
transported to St. Elizabeth's Hospital, where he ultimately died eight days after being shot. He had served with the Utica Police Department for seven years. His dedication to duty, even in his final moments, was evident in his effort to report the crime that led to his death.
Following the incident, two suspects were apprehended and subsequently convicted for the murder of Patrolman Creedon. The consequences for the two convicted men were severe. One of the individuals was executed in the electric chair at Sing Sing Prison on December 19, 1916. The second suspect received a life sentence for his involvement in the officer's death.
