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Incident
Assistant Chief David O'Brien was shot and killed while on a tour of inspection with Chief of Police Roy. At the corner of Oak Street and Fourth Avenue, the officers came upon a subject whom they questioned and decided to take him back to the station when a gunbattle ensued. The suspect, armed with two .30-caliber, ten-shot Lugers, fired nine shots striking both Assistant Chief O'Brien and Chief Roy. Assistant Chief O'Brien, despite being mortally wounded, was able to return fire and killed the suspect. An unarmed, seriously wounded Chief Roy was able to stagger to a nearby home for assistance and later recovered from his wounds. The suspect was a US Army deserter wanted on bank robbery charges and was being sought for railroad robbery when confronted by the officers. Assistant Chief O'Brien had served with the Canton Police Department for two years, having previously served as chief of police. He was survived by one daughter and two sons. In 1993, the Canton City Council dedicated and renamed the David W. O'Brien Public Safety Building in his honor.
Survivors
He was survived by one daughter and two sons.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Assistant Chief of Police O'Brien gave the Canton Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Canton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Assistant Chief of Police O'Brien.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
David is the only officer of Canton Police Department remembered here.
David is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1924, 22 officers in IL were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 40. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 40. 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. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9.4% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Sundays: 15.2%.
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 Canton Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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