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Incident
Watchman John Beck succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained two weeks earlier while attempting to arrest a rape suspect at a hotel on Callowhill Street near the city's Fairmount neighborhood.
A man notified Watchman Beck and other officers that his daughter had been raped by a man who was at a hotel on Callowhill Street. Once inside the hotel, as officers attempted to arrest the suspect, several of the suspect's friends interfered in the arrest, causing a struggle. The father, who had accompanied the officers to identify the suspect, grabbed his pistol in an attempt to scare away anyone else from interfering. The gun accidentally discharged, striking the father in the hand and Watchman Beck in his groin. Watchman Beck was taken to his home, where he succumbed to his gunshot wound almost two weeks later.
The suspect escaped with help from his friends but was arrested on July 21, 1844. For interference during the attempted arrest, one of the suspect's friends was charged on June 4, 1844, for inciting a riot. A second friend of the suspect was charged on August 18 with conspiracy to commit the sexual assault and was also charged with interference during the suspect's arrest attempt. It is unknown if any of the three men were convicted.
Watchman Beck was survived by his wife and two children. His widow received $300 from the city council to help support her and her children.
Survivors
Watchman Beck was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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182 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Watchman Beck served with the Philadelphia Night Watch.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Philadelphia Night Watch has lost 3 officers; 2 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 1844, 2 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1844, 6 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 179th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1844, 11 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 177th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
June holds 7.5% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Fridays: 15.6%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Philadelphia Night Watch, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Philadelphia Night Watch has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Philadelphia Night Watch are honored on badge.nw.
