Police Officer John Skagen
New York City Transit Police Department
New York
End of Watch: Wednesday, June 28, 1972

Biographical Info
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: 3229

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Accidental)
Date of Incident: Wednesday, June 28, 1972
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Apprehended

Officer John Skagen was accidentally shot and killed by two New York City police officers while chasing a shooting suspect. He was in plainclothes returning from a court appearence when he witnessed a disturbance and shooting in the subway. He began chasing the suspect with his gun drawn. As they exited the station the suspect yelled to two NYPD officers that a crazy man with a gun was chasing him. The officers opened fire on Officer Skagen, fatally wounding him.

The suspect was apprehended and charged with the original homicide but was not charged in connection with Officer's Skagen's death.

Officer Skagen was assigned to Transit District 2. He was survived by his wife and son.