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Incident
Patrolman John Wiggins was shot and killed on Ohio Street, near Union Avenue, while he and another officer were escorting two prisoners to jail. The officers had arrested the two for fighting outside of a saloon. As the group walked along Ohio Street one of the prisoners started yelling at the other, then pulled a revolver from his pocket, and shot Patrolman Wiggins in the face.
Patrolman Wiggins' partner pursued the subject and arrested him several blocks away. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 9 years.
Patrolman Wiggins had served with the Allegheny City Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two children, father, and siblings.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
146 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Wiggins gave the Allegheny City Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pittsburgh community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Allegheny City Police Department 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 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1880, 1 officer in PA was killed feloniously, the 120th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1880, 38 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 147th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1880, 39 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 148th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 38. 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 2.8 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 38. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 2.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 2.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Tuesdays: 12.7%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Allegheny City Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 50% 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; revolver, in 3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
His people
Allegheny City Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Allegheny City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
