New York City Transit Police Department, New York
End of Watch Thursday, June 19, 1980
Add to My HeroesJoseph Keegan
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. He was survived by his fiancée, daughter, mother, two brothers and two sisters.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 15 years
- Badge 2639
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Sentenced to 25 years to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 41 ReflectionsThe best guy on Columbus Avenue . Rest In Peace Joe
Barbara Walsh Connolly
Friend
June 21, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Marylin Mayo
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: September 21, 2023

Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023

Governmental Affairs Liaison Michael Elaine Griffin
Mississippi Department of Public Safety, MS
EOW: September 4, 2023

Police Officer Kevin Cram
Algona Police Department, IA
EOW: September 13, 2023

Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 9, 2023

Detective Robert Garten
Hartford Police Department, CT
EOW: September 6, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Pierson
Shelby County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: August 29, 2023

Sheriff Robert Daniel Rodgers
Wilcox County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: August 29, 2023