In the spring of 1907, Patrolman Alfred A. Selleck of the New York City Police Department was caught in a violent chain of events that would ultimately lead to his death. The male officer and his partner, Patrolman George Sechler, were on duty in Manhattan when they heard gunshots coming from the vicinity of Washington Square Park. Unbeknownst to them at that moment, two brothers had just shot and killed a man following an altercation in the park.
As the two brothers fled the scene on
foot, a Sergeant and another Patrolman began their pursuit. Selleck and Sechler, alerted by the sound of the gunfire, saw the suspects running toward them and immediately joined the chase. The pursuit led them to a tenement house at 230-232 Thompson Street. The fleeing brothers ran up the stairs, only to find their escape route blocked by a locked door at the top.
Trapped, the brothers turned to confront the approaching officers. As Patrolman Selleck and Patrolman Sechler neared, the suspects opened fire. Patrolman Selleck was struck twice and fell down the stairs. As one of the suspects prepared to fire at Selleck again, Patrolman Sechler bravely shielded his partner with his own body, taking a bullet to the stomach. Despite his severe injury, Sechler managed to strike the suspect multiple times with his billy club, nearly knocking him unconscious before collapsing. The Sergeant who had been in the initial pursuit was then able to apprehend the suspect.
Both wounded officers were rushed to Saint Vincent's Hospital. Patrolman Sechler succumbed to his injuries a few hours later. Patrolman Alfred A. Selleck fought for his life for two more days before he too passed away from his wounds. The suspect responsible for the murders of both officers was later convicted and was executed at Sing Sing Prison on February 1, 1909.
