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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
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
New York City Transit Police Department has lost 14 officers; 11 of them killed feloniously.
Joseph is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1980, 3 officers at New York City Transit Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1980, 13 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1980, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1980, 141 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 40. Of the 11 killed feloniously at New York City Transit Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 33.5 and 38.5; the middle age was 36. Joseph had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Joseph was 40. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. Joseph had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Joseph was 40. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 36.4% of these deaths at New York City Transit Police Department, more than any other month. Thursdays: 9.1%.
June holds 6.5% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Thursdays: 15.7%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 78.6% of all 14 deaths at New York City Transit Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 27.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
New York City Transit Police Department has 14 officers remembered here, Joseph among them.
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John Tuohy
Mar 20, 1963
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Lloyd Herman Innes
Jun 16, 1967
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Michael Melchiona
Feb 28, 1970
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John M Skagen
Jun 28, 1972
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Sidney L. Thompson
Jun 5, 1973
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George Caccavale
Jun 26, 1976
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Carlos King
Dec 20, 1976
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Seraphin Calabrese
Feb 24, 1980
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Irving W. Smith
Feb 29, 1980
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Joseph Keegan
Jun 19, 1980
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Joseph Hamperian
Sep 22, 1983
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Irma Fran Lozada
Sep 21, 1984
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Robert Venable
Sep 22, 1987
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William T. Martin
Apr 9, 2011
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
13 officers from New York City Transit Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
