Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Joseph Keegan was shot and killed with his own gun while attempting arrest a fare evader at the Columbus Circle subway station. Officer Keegan was patrolling the Columbus Circle subway station when he observed a fare evader. When he attempted to arrest the suspect, a struggle ensued. The suspect gained control of Officer Keegan's handgun and shot him in the head. The suspect was arrested in Central Park later in the day during a massive manhunt. He was later convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. On April 2021, he was released on parole. Officer Keegan was assigned to Transit District 1 and had served with the New York City Transit Police Department for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his fiancée, daughter, mother, two brothers and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-9AA8080C- 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 Keegan gave the New York City Transit Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Keegan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Joseph Keegan 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 Transit Police Department, 11 of 14 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 78.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Joseph Keegan's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph Keegan Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 25 years to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph Keegan is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph Keegan was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
13 officers from New York City Transit Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
