Sergeant James McGiven

Sergeant James McGiven

New York Municipal Police Department, New York

End of Watch Monday, July 24, 1876

Add to My Heroes

James McGiven

Sergeant James McGiven died of wounds he received when he was stabbed while attempting to apprehend a thief.

A suspect had stolen a watch from a man who was walking on 8th Street, near 2nd Avenue. Several bystanders chased him until the suspect saw a police officer standing on the corner. The man then ran up another street but was confronted by Sergeant McGiven, who was in plainclothes and was walking home from police headquarters. Sergeant McGiven grabbed the suspect by the shoulder and swung him around. As he did so the man pulled out a knife and stabbed Sergeant McGiven in the stomach.

Another officer arrested the suspect and identified by Sergeant McGiven before he lapsed into unconsciousness. He was taken to his home, where he died several days later.

The suspect was sentenced to life in prison for Sergeant McGiven's murder. While in prison, he committed a second murder, for which he received the death penalty. He was executed on November 4, 1881.

Sergeant McGiven was assigned to the 17th Precinct, the present day 9th Precinct.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Stabbed
  • Incident Date Tuesday, July 18, 1876
  • Weapon Edged weapon; Knife
  • Offender Executed in 1881

burglary, arrest attempt

Most Recent Reflection

View all 8 Reflections

Looking to Honor all the LOD Officers, Trying to Locate this Officers Grave. Any help to Identify and Locate this Heros Grave in Calvary Cemetery would be Very Much Appreciated.

Retired Lt Bill Markowski

Lt William Markowski
NYPD

July 8, 2025

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.