Incident
Detective Sergeant John Fitzpatrick died of wounds he received the previous day when he was shot by three men who were breaking into an automobile. Sergeant Fitzpatrick had three suspects under surveillance for over an hour when he observed them attempted to steal an automobile on West 55th Street in Manhattan. When Sergeant Fitzpatrick approached the suspect, one of the men turned and fired two shots, striking Sergeant Fitzpatrick. Despite his wounds, Sergeant Fitzpatrick was able to return fire, but none of the suspects were struck. Sergeant Fitzpatrick was removed to the hospital, where he died the next day from his wounds. The three suspects and two others were arrested and charged in connection with Sergeant Fitzpatrick's murder. Sergeant Fitzpatrick served with the New York City Police Department for 13 years and was survived by his sister. He was assigned to the 29th Precinct Detective Squad, the present day 17th Precinct Detective Squad.
Survivors
Sergeant Fitzpatrick served with the New York City Police Department for 13 years and was survived by his sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-5455F92F- 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.
Detective Sergeant Fitzpatrick gave the New York City Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Sergeant Fitzpatrick.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Sergeant John Fitzpatrick 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 NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At New York City Police Department, 382 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 30.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Fitzpatrick's cause is highlighted.
How John Fitzpatrick Compares
Offender Outcome
Arrested
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Fitzpatrick is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Fitzpatrick was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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