In the winter of 1909, a tragic incident in Inkerman, Pennsylvania, led to the death of 30-year-old John Garscia, a male Private with the Pennsylvania State Police. On the night of Saturday, February 13, Garscia and his partner, Private Frederick Carlton, were in a saloon attempting to serve a warrant. The subject of the warrant resisted arrest, and in the ensuing struggle, Carlton drew his revolver.
The weapon accidentally discharged, striking Garscia.
The single bullet penetrated Garscia's liver, causing a severe and ultimately fatal wound. He was rushed to Pittston Hospital for medical attention and underwent surgery. Despite the efforts of the medical staff, his condition did not improve. A week after the accidental shooting, on February 21, 1909, Private John Garscia succumbed to his injury.
Before his passing, Garscia affirmed to those around him, including his parish priest, that the shooting was purely an accident. His death was a great loss to the community and his fellow officers. Private Carlton was reportedly overcome with grief at the accidental death of his comrade and was so distraught that he threatened to take his own life. As a precaution, he was relieved of his firearm. There were no arrests or charges filed in connection with the incident, as it was officially deemed an accident.
John Garscia was a United States Army veteran who had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for over three years. He was survived by his wife and son, who later moved to Warsaw, Poland. A funeral procession accompanied his body to the Wyoming railroad station, and he was laid to rest on February 24, 1909, in the Sacred Heart Polish Cemetery in Scranton.
