Incident
Detective Sergeant John Sheridan was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a gang of burglars working in the Long Island City area. Sergeant Sheridan was assigned to plain clothes in an attempt to capture the suspect.
Sergeant Sheridan and his partner spotted two suspicious men coming off Orchard Street and crossing over Henry Street. Sergeant Sheridan sent his partner to head off the suspects. While his partner was gone, Sergeant Sheridan had a confrontation with one of the suspects in which he was shot and killed. Sergeant Detective Sheridan was able to draw his service weapon, but it failed to fire when he pulled the trigger.
After a large manhunt three suspects were arrested and charged with murder, but all were acquitted at a trial.
Sergeant Sheridan served with the New York City Police Department for 25 years and was survived by his son and daughter. He was assigned to the 75th Precinct in Long Island City, which is the present day 108th Precinct.
Survivors
Sergeant Sheridan served with the New York City Police Department for 25 years and was survived by his son and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-DEC8C355- 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
25 years. You could have gone home.
Detective Sergeant Sheridan gave the New York City Police Department 25 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Sergeant Sheridan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Sergeant John J. Sheridan 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 J. Sheridan's cause is highlighted.
How John J. Sheridan Compares
Offender Outcome
Three acquitted at trial
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John J. Sheridan is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John J. Sheridan was killed by handgun; revolver.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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