Roll of Honor
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
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-ED175B07- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
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
Patrolman John Wiggins is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Allegheny City Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Wiggins's cause is highlighted.
How John Wiggins Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 9 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Wiggins is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Wiggins was killed by handgun; revolver.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Allegheny City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
