In the late winter of 1885, a male Chester Police Officer named James M. McDade was dutifully patrolling the city streets. On the 19th of February, he and another officer happened upon a burglary in progress at a coal company near the corner of Sixth and Madison Streets. The officers had heard suspicious noises coming from the rear of the building and went to investigate, believing that thieves were stealing coal.
As they rounded the building, they surprised two individuals who were actively trying to pry open the shutters.
A confrontation ensued. One of the officer's partners attempted to apprehend one of the suspects but was struck in the face with a blunt object, leaving him dazed. As Officer McDade pursued the second suspect, the individual turned and opened fire with a revolver. A bullet struck Officer McDade in the thigh. A third officer, drawn by the sound of the gunshots, came to the aid of his wounded colleagues and carried them across the street to be treated by a doctor.
Despite medical attention, doctors were unable to successfully remove the bullet from Officer McDade's leg. For years, he would live with the consequences of that fateful night. His health steadily declined due to complications from the original wound. After a prolonged struggle, Police Officer James M. McDade, a five-year veteran of the Chester Police Department, succumbed to his injury on December 1, 1903. He was survived by his wife and two daughters. Information regarding the identity or arrest of the suspects is not available in the sources.
