Roll of Honor
William Alexander Oliver Cratty
Incident
Constable William Cratty was shot and killed as he attempted to question two suspicious men on the Charleroi-Monessen Toll Bridge.
Both subjects had been seen loitering around the bridge by a toll worker after he was asked if he had $20 bills. The toll worker notified local authorities and Constable Cratty was sent to investigate. As he approached both men from the top of stairs, near the toll office, both men opened fire on him. Constable Cratty was shot twice in both thighs and suffered a severed artery. Despite his wounds, he returned and shot both men in the chest.
One of the men fled and attempted to board a nearby train but couldn’t due to the bullet wounds. The man managed to find a doctor to treat him in Donora Borough where he was arrested later in the day. Constable Cratty was taken to the Charleroi-Monessen Hospital where he died later in the day.
The other man was taken to Memorial Hospital in New Eagle Borough and succumbed to his gunshot wound July 21st, 1924. The subject who had fled was taken to Washington Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds on August 3rd, 1924.
Constable Cratty served with the Pennsylvania State Constable - Washington County for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, nine children, mother, and siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-C0ECA1D6- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Cratty gave the Pennsylvania State Constable 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Washington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Cratty.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable William Alexander Oliver Cratty is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 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 47.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Pennsylvania State Constable - Washington County, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Alexander Oliver Cratty's cause is highlighted.
How William Alexander Oliver Cratty Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Alexander Oliver Cratty is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Alexander Oliver Cratty was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Pennsylvania State Constable - Washington County are honored on badge.nw.
