Police Officer James G. Carragher
New York City Housing Authority Police Department
New York
End of Watch: Thursday, February 11, 1982

Biographical Info
Age: 55
Tour of Duty: 16 years
Badge Number: 2862

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, February 11, 1982
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life

Officer Carragher was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest two suspects that tried to rob him.

Officer Carragher had just returned home from his tour of duty and was about eighty feet from his building when he was approached by two men with guns. The men attempted to rob Officer Carragher. Officer Carragher drew his weapon and was able to fire five shots before being shot twice and killed.

Three suspects were arrested approximately ten months later after Detectives received a tip that one of the suspects had been bragging about his role in the murder of Officer Carragher. One of the suspects was later convicted of second degree murder and robbery and sentenced to 18 years to life in prison. He is eligible for parole on October 28, 2006. The other two suspects involved in the murder were never acquitted of all charges.

Officer Carragher had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for 16 years and had previously served in the United States Navy. He was assigned to Service Area 1.

Officer Carragher was a US Navy veteran of WWII. He was survived by his wife, four daughters, and four grandchildren.