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Incident
Officer John Maguire was shot and killed when he responded to a robbery in progress at a local department store.
At 9:00pm, three men went to a department store to rob the jewelry counter as the employees prepared to close. One male entered the store, while a second suspect stood outside as a lookout. A third suspect waited in a get-away vehicle nearby. After robbing the jewelry counter, the men exited the store with a bag filled with jewelry. As the two suspects headed towards the get-away vehicle, Officer Maguire arrived in the parking lot, where he confronted one of the suspects and began a foot pursuit. During the pursuit, the suspect opened fire, striking Officer Maguire four times in the torso. Officer Maguire returned fire and killed the suspect.
The two other suspects were apprehended and face multiple charges, including murder and robbery. The suspect who was killed was on parole for attempted murder, several robberies and escape, despite having previously been sentenced to three life prison terms.
Officer Maguire was transported to a hospital in Burlington where he succumbed to his wounds.
Officer Maguire had served with the Woburn Police Department for 34 years.
At 9:00pm, three men went to a department store to rob the jewelry counter as the employees prepared to close. One male entered the store, while a second suspect stood outside as a lookout. A third suspect waited in a get-away vehicle nearby. After robbing the jewelry counter, the men exited the store with a bag filled with jewelry. As the two suspects headed towards the get-away vehicle, Officer Maguire arrived in the parking lot, where he confronted one of the suspects and began a foot pursuit. During the pursuit, the suspect opened fire, striking Officer Maguire four times in the torso. Officer Maguire returned fire and killed the suspect.
Officer Maguire had served with the Woburn Police Department for 34 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three adult children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
34 years. You could have gone home.
Police Officer Maguire gave the Woburn Police Department 34 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Woburn community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Maguire.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Woburn Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
John is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 2010, 2 officers in MA were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 2010, 80 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 84th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2010, 85 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 80th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 60. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. John had served 34 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
John was 60. 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. John had served 34 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 60. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 34 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Sundays: 14.1%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Woburn Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.1% 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 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Woburn Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Woburn Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
