Detective James L. Daggett

James 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, killed Detective Daggett and one suspect. The other detective and suspect were injured. The three remaining suspects were later indicted for murder in the first degree.

Detective Daggett was assigned to the Safe Loft and Truck Squad.