Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman William Duncan was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend car thief who fled from the scene of a vehicle collision. Patrolman Duncan was on foot patrol near the corner of Ninth Avenue and Forty Eighth Street when he observed a vehicle collide with a parked car. Unknown to Patrolman Duncan, the driver had stolen the vehicle hours earlier. Upon observing the collision, Patrolman Duncan approached the scene. As he did, the driver exited from the vehicle and fled on foot. Patrolman Duncan pursued him, and fired two warning shots into the air. As Patrolman Duncan got closer to the suspect, the suspect turned and fired a .25 caliber pistol, striking Patrolman Duncan in the chest. Patrolman Duncan was able to return fire before falling to the ground, but his shots did not strike the suspect. Patrolman Duncan died at the scene. The suspect dropped his gun and continued to flee on foot, escaping capture. He was never identified. Patrolman Duncan served with the New York City Police Department for two years. He was assigned to the Midtown North Precinct.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-AD0EB17F- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Duncan gave the New York City Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Duncan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William J. Duncan is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,587 officers honored here.
In NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 20 percentage points below the national rate of 53.9%.
At New York City Police Department, 365 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 29.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William J. Duncan's cause is highlighted.
How William J. Duncan Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William J. Duncan is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William J. Duncan was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1,236 officers from New York City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
