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Incident
Constable John Weitzel was shot and killed while investigating a domestic situation at a home near the intersection of South Main Street and Juniper Street in Quakertown Borough.
Constable Weitzel had been summoned by a woman, who stated that her estranged husband had arrived at her home and begun removing furniture from a barn located behind the house. As Constable Weitzel noted that he could not remove any belongings unless he had proper authority to do so, the man exchanged words with Constable Weitzel, then drew a revolver. During the fight for the gun, Constable Weitzel and the subject were both shot three times. The subject then struck Constable Weitzel in the head with a claw hammer as he lay motionless on the ground.
The subject was treated at an area hospital, where he recovered from his wounds and was charged with murder. On December 19, 1919, he was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to six years in jail.
Constable Weitzel served with the Pennsylvania State Constable - Bucks County for four years. He was a widower.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Weitzel gave the Pennsylvania State Constable 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Doylestown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Weitzel.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pennsylvania State Constable - Bucks County has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1919, 15 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1919, 212 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1919, 232 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 62. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 62. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 62. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 7.5% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Saturdays: 15.2%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Pennsylvania State Constable - Bucks County. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 27.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Pennsylvania State Constable - Bucks County has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Pennsylvania State Constable - Bucks County are honored on badge.nw.
