In the annals of Chester, Pennsylvania's history, the date of November 6, 1948, is marked by a tragic event that claimed the life of a dedicated public servant. Ellery Bertram Purnsley, a 56-year-old male detective with the Chester City Police Department, was among the victims of a horrific shooting spree that unfolded on Market Street. With 31 years of service to the community, Detective Purnsley was a seasoned and respected officer.
The day's violence was initiated by a man named
Melvin Collins, following a dispute. Collins positioned himself in his apartment window and began indiscriminately firing a. 22 caliber rifle at pedestrians below. As chaos erupted and the number of casualties grew, law enforcement, including Detective Purnsley, responded to the active shooter scene. In a courageous act, Detective Purnsley approached the building where Collins was barricaded in an attempt to apprehend him. It was during this heroic effort that Detective Purnsley was fatally shot.
The rampage, which would come to be known as the Market Street Massacre, resulted in the deaths of eight people and left six others wounded. The perpetrator, Melvin Collins, ultimately took his own life, bringing an end to the deadly assault. The community was left to mourn the loss of innocent lives, including that of a brave detective who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Detective Purnsley was survived by his daughter and granddaughter.
