David

DETAILS OF DEATH

In the early hours of 3 June 1889 the Constable was patrolling Macleay Street Potts Point when he saw a man enter a yard and walk to the rear of a dwelling. He detained the man a short time later as he left the premises and spoke to him regarding his actions. When the man attempted to leave the Constable took hold of him and again asked what he was doing. The offender told the Constable to let him go or he would shoot him. A struggle ensued and when both men lost their balance the offender shot the Constable. While they were on the ground the offender again fired at the Constable who drew his baton and struck his attacker. Constable Sutherland was then able to take the revolver from the offender but as he was quickly losing his strength due to his wounds the offender quickly retrieved the weapon and escaped. He was very soon arrested by other police. Constable Sutherland died later that day. The death of David Sutherland was one factor which led to the general arming of Sydney Police in 1894. Country and mounted police had always been armed. The Constable was born in 1863 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 11 October 1887. At the time of his death he was stationed at Darlinghurst.