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Incident
Police Officer James McCarl died after being kicked in the stomach while placing a prisoner in a jail cell at the borough's police department. He had just arrested the subject for being drunk and disorderly after being called to the man's home. Officer McCarl was unlocking the cell door when the man kicked him in the stomach, rupturing his bowels. The man then escaped, but was captured by angry citizens a short time later. Doctors tended to Officer McCarl's injuries but he died approximately two hours later.
The suspect was charged with murder. At his trial two doctors testified Officer McCarl died of shock due to internal injuries. The defense argued Officer McCarl died from heart trouble due to over exertion from dealing with the prisoner. He was acquitted.
Officer McCarl was survived by his wife, three daughters, and five sisters.
Survivors
Officer McCarl was survived by his wife, three daughters, and five sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer McCarl served with the Houston Borough Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Houston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer McCarl.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Houston Borough Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1916, 7 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 54. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
James was 54. 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.
James was 54. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 8.5% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Sundays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Houston Borough Police Department.
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 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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