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John Francis Capano
Incident
Special Agent John Capano was shot and killed while struggling with a robbery suspect outside a pharmacy on Merrick Road in Seaford, Nassau County, New York.
Agent Capano was off duty and inside the pharmacy at 2:00 pm when the suspect entered and robbed it of OxyContin and cash. As the suspect exited the store Agent Capano drew his service weapon and attempted to stop him. He shot the armed man once and then began to struggle with him as they exited the store.
A retired Nassau County police officer and an off-duty New York City police officer who were in a deli next door were also alerted. Both came out of the deli and discovered the men struggling over Agent Capano's weapon, which discharged a second time. Mistakenly believing that Agent Capano was an armed suspect, the retired officer opened fire on him, fatally wounding him.
The suspect was then shot and killed by the off duty New York City officer after he picked up the gun and stood up. It was later determined that the suspect was carrying a pellet gun.
Agent Capano had served with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for 23 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two children, father, and five siblings.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
23 years. You could have gone home.
Senior Special Agent Capano gave the United States Department of Justice 23 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Senior Special Agent Capano.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has lost 5 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 453 officers lost to accidents in DC, 31.9% of the 1,419 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2011, 5 officers in DC were lost to accidents, the 25th heaviest of 125 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 14.
In 2011, 64 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 66th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2011, 72 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 73rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 51. Of the 425 lost to accidents in DC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 51. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 51. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8.4% of these deaths in DC; July holds the most, 10.6%. Saturdays: 15%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.9% of all 1,419 deaths in DC, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has 5 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are honored on badge.nw.
