New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch Monday, September 10, 1951
Add to My HeroesJames L. Daggett
Detective James Daggett was killed when he and three other detectives interrupted four men who were in the middle of setting a fire.
Detective Daggett and the other detectives observed the four men enter a building at 9 West 18th Street in Manhattan, carrying some cartons in. The men exited the building carrying empty containers. Two of the men left in their car, and two others re-entered the building.
Two detectives stopped the two suspects in the car and questioned them. The suspects confessed that they planned to burn the building down. Detective Daggett and another detective entered the building to apprehend the two suspects inside when a massive explosion occurred, killing Detective Daggett and one suspect. The other detective and the other suspect were critically injured. The second suspect died later at a local hospital. The two remaining suspects were later indicted for murder in the first degree.
Of the two remaining suspects one was the owner of the building, a clothing store. Because business was bad he had hired the other three to burn the building so he could collect the insurance. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. In 1955 his sentence was commuted to life. He was pardoned by Governor Nelson D. Rockefellow on December 23, 1971. The last suspect, who was hired to carry the explosives inside the building, was acquitted because he was mentally handicapped and may not have understood what he was doing.
Detective Howard Phelan, the other detective who was critically injured, never fully recovered and was forced to retire.
Detective Daggett was assigned to the Safe Loft and Truck Squad.
Bio
- Age Not available
- Tour Not available
- Badge 727
Incident Details
- Cause Explosion
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsJesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, proclaimed, “The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends.” [John 15:13 GW]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054
Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department
March 5, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Jacob Candanoza
Terrell Police Department, TX
EOW: December 9, 2024
Detective Allan Reddins
Oak Park Police Department, IL
EOW: November 29, 2024
Police Officer Jesse Branch
Red Lake Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: November 27, 2024
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Love
United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, US
EOW: October 19, 2024
Police Officer Cooper Dawson
Greenville Police Department, TX
EOW: November 26, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ignacio "Dan" Diaz
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 25, 2024
Deputy Constable Katherine Hutson
Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 5, TX
EOW: November 22, 2024
Major Michelle Lynn Quintero
Madison County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 27, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, Jr.
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2024