Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Paul Begin was shot and killed while transporting a prisoner to jail after he and his partner arrested a man on outstanding warrants during a traffic stop. The suspect was handcuffed and placed in the backseat of the patrol car. A female acquaintance of the suspect was allowed to ride to the police station in the backseat of the patrol car as well but was not handcuffed because she was not under arrest. As they were being driven to the police station the female produced a handgun and shot Officer Begin and his partner in the back of the head near St. Jean Street and Vernor Highway. His partner was only slightly wounded. Both suspects, 25, fled the scene but were apprehended several days later. The woman was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life. The man was tried for murder and acquitted. Officer Begin had served with the Detroit Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, stepson, mother, and four siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MI-DCBBBB59- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Begin gave the Detroit Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Detroit community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Begin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Paul E. Begin is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MI, 426 of 718 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.3% of this state's fallen. That is 5.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Detroit Police Department, 177 of 250 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Paul E. Begin's cause is highlighted.
How Paul E. Begin Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Paul E. Begin is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Paul E. Begin was killed by handgun; .25 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
249 officers from Detroit Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
