Constable John Curry
Victoria Police Department
British Columbia
End of Watch: Monday, February 29, 1864

Biographical Info
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Accidental)
Date of Incident: Not available
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available

Constable Curry was a foot patrol officer on duty in the area of the downtown core around midnight, the night of February 29th, 1864.

While the full details of his death are not clear, it appeared that Constable Curry was responding to whistle calls for assistance from an armed night watchman, Special Constable Thomas Barrett. Barrett had been struck on the head during his rounds when he discovered an insecure door at Mrs. Copperman's Store and had fought with a man who may have also cried out for help from a hidden second person, and then fled.

Special Constable Barrett gave chase through the store to the outside where he observed a figure rapidly approaching down the dark alley. Barrett, during his testimony at the "Inquisition" held some two days later, stated that he was certain that this figure was his attacker or the accomplice and that he yelled out to "Stand-back, or I'll shoot." The figure continued to charge forward and a single shot was fired. Further investigation and the arrival of another Constable allowed Barrett to discover that the figure that he had shot was Constable John Curry. Curry died after stating that it was not he who had struck the night watchman.

Constable John Curry had been born in Durham, England and had joined the Department in February of 1863.