New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Thursday, November 14, 1907
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 2424
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 14, 1907
Weapon Used: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect Info: Executed in 1910
Patrolman Kavanagh was shot and killed attempting to arrest a robbery suspect.
At approximately 2000 hours the suspect grabbed the handbag of a woman in front of 194 Duffield Street, Brooklyn. He fled with a citizen in pursuit. The citizen tackled the suspect on Gold Street, near Willoughby Street. During the struggle, the suspect drew a revolver and fired. The shot missed, but it drew the attention of Patrolman Kavanagh who was nearby.
Patrolman Kavanagh ran to the location and grabbed the suspect, but the suspect fired again, striking Patrolman Kavanagh. The suspect fled. A citizen took Patrolman Kavanagh's revolver and pursued the suspect. He fired five shots and eventually cornered the suspect, where he and several other citizens took him into custody.
Patrolman Kavanagh was taken to Brooklyn Hospital where he died from his wounds. The suspect was convicted of Patrolman Kavanagh's murder and executed at Sing Sing Prison on January 3, 1910.
Patrolman Kavanagh served with the New York City Police Department for two years and was assigned to the 47th Precinct, which is the present day 76th Precinct.