Patrolman Samuel T. Cunningham

Patrolman Samuel T. Cunningham

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Tuesday, June 19, 1917

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Samuel T. Cunningham

Patrolman Samuel Cunningham was shot and killed while attempting to stop a stolen vehicle on Prescott Avenue (current-day Payson Avenue) in the Inwood section of Manhattan.

When Patrolman Cunningham witnessed a reckless driver, he realized the vehicle had been stolen. He tried to stop the driver, who pulled out a gun and shot him five times. The driver crashed his vehicle into a pillar at 10th Avenue and fled.

Patrolman Cunningham was transported to St. Lawrence Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds approximately three weeks later.

The 18-year-old suspect was arrested in New Jersey about six months later. He was a member of the National Guard and had used a weapon stolen from the National Guard Armory to murder Officer Cunningham. In February of 1918, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 years to life. On October 16, 1920, he and another inmate nearly beat three guards to death and escaped in a stolen automobile from Sing Sing Prison. Six days later, they were captured in Warner, New Hampshire. He got seven years added to his sentence for escape and another five years for assaulting the three guards. In 1947, he was paroled. In 1956, he was arrested by FBI agents in Las Angeles, California, for violating his parole.

Patrolman Cunningham had served with the New York City Police Department for at least seven years and was assigned to the 42nd Precinct, the present-day 34th Precinct. He was survived by his wife and son.

Bio

  • Age 35
  • Tour 7 years
  • Badge 5454

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Friday, May 25, 1917
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Paroled in 1947

motor officer, stolen vehicle

Most Recent Reflection

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I attended a Memorial Plaque Dedication Ceremony yesterday June 20th, 2025 for Patrolman Sam Cunningham at the present day 34th Precinct in the confines of which he was killed. This Dedication marked the 108th anniversary of Patrolman Cunninghams death. The Dedication was spearheaded by Patrolmans Benevolent Association Manhattan North Trustee Police Officer Kevin Murphy who did a wonderful job along with a whole array of support from people in various units who provided all the information surrounding the incident. The Dedication was very meaningful to me because not only am I a retired Police Officer of the NYPD but I live on Payson Avenue where Patrolman Cunningham was killed. May Patrolman Cunningham Rest In Peace and Never Be Forgotten for the ultimate sacrifice he made for the people of New York City.

Police Officer Chris Smith ( Retired )
N.Y.P.D.

June 21, 2025

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