Woburn Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch: Sunday, December 26, 2010
Age: 60
Tour of Duty: 34 years
Badge Number: 23
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 26, 2010
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Officer John Maguire was shot and killed when he responded to a robbery in progress at a local department store.
At 9:00pm, three men went to a department store to rob the jewelry counter as the employees prepared to close. One male entered the store, while a second suspect stood outside as a lookout. A third suspect waited in a get-away vehicle nearby. After robbing the jewelry counter, the men exited the store with a bag filled with jewelry. As the two suspects headed towards the get-away vehicle, Officer Maguire arrived in the parking lot, where he confronted one of the suspects and began a foot pursuit. During the pursuit, the suspect opened fire, striking Officer Maguire four times in the torso. Officer Maguire returned fire and killed the suspect.
The two other suspects were apprehended and face multiple charges, including murder and robbery. The suspect who was killed was on parole for attempted murder, several robberies and escape, despite having previously been sentenced to three life prison terms.
Officer Maguire was transported to a hospital in Burlington where he succumbed to his wounds.
Officer Maguire had served with the Woburn Police Department for 34 years. He is survived by his wife and three adult children.