Incident
Patrolman Thomas Kelly was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man he observed stealing a car. Patrolman Kelly and his partner were in plainclothes and were keeping surveillance of a location on 113th Street when they observed two men approach a parked vehicle. One man entered the car, while the other man acted as a lookout. Patrolman Kelly and his partner approached the men. Patrolman Kelly's partner began struggling with the man inside the vehicle as Patrolman Kelly attempted to take the lookout into custody. At some point, the lookout pulled a handgun and shot Patrolman Kelly. Patrolman Kelly was rushed to St. Luke's Hospital but died from his wound. Patrolman Kelly was assigned to the 12th Division and had served with the agency for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-868854EA- 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.
Patrolman Kelly gave the New York City Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kelly.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Thomas F. Kelly 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. Thomas F. Kelly's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas F. Kelly Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas F. Kelly is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas F. Kelly was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
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