Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick Courtesy Victoria Police Museum Collections Victoria

Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick had a questionable character even before being posted to Greta Police Station in 1878. He made an attempt to arrest Dan Kelly but did not follow correct procedure. He went by himself and had also been drinking beforehand. While Fitzpatrick stated that he was assaulted and suffered a minor gun show wound at the hands of "Ned" Kelly and other family members, his claims were disputed by them. The Kellys "went bush" after this incident and two police parties - one led by Michael Kennedy - were sent in pursuit of them.