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Incident
Policeman Aeneas McDonald was shot and killed during a running gun battle with two safe thieves. The two suspects were attempting to break into a safe at a local train depot when they were interrupted by a railroad police officer. The officer began chasing the men and exchanged gunfire, but the men were able to escape. A short time later, a citizen called the police station to report a prowler. Policeman McDonald responded to the scene and spotted a suspect. As he climbed through a hole in the fence in pursuit of the man, the suspect ambushed him and shot him four times. Despite his wounds, Policeman McDonald was able to grab onto the suspect and hold him until two citizens arrived to assist him. While awaiting trial, the suspect escaped from the Ontario County Jail on May 5, 1920. He was recaptured on April 11, 1926. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. He was paroled on February 25, 1955, but was sent back to prison a few weeks later for violating his parole. Two other suspects were also arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Policeman McDonald had served with the Geneva Police Department for at least 14 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six daughters.
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.
Policeman McDonald gave the Geneva Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Geneva community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman McDonald.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Aeneas is the only officer of Geneva Police Department remembered here.
Aeneas is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Aeneas is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Aeneas is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1924, 8 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Aeneas was 59. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. Aeneas had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Aeneas was 59. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Aeneas had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Aeneas was 59. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Aeneas had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 8% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Tuesdays: 16.5%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Geneva Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 21.5% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Geneva Police Department are honored on badge.nw.