New York City Transit Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Wednesday, June 28, 1972
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 3229
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Date of Incident: June 28, 1972
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Police Officer John Skagen was accidentally shot and killed by a New York City police officer in a case of mistaken identity while chasing a shooting suspect. He was in plainclothes returning from a court appearance when he witnessed a disturbance and shooting in the Hunts Point Avenue Station. 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. One of the officers opened fire on Officer Skagen, fatally wounding him.
The suspect was apprehended and charged with the first homicide but was not charged in connection with Officer's Skagen's death.
Officer Skagen had served with the New York City Transit Police Department for two years and was assigned to Transit District 2. His wife and son survived him.