Police Officer John Skagen

John Skagen

Police Officer John Skagen was accidentally shot and killed by a New York City police officer in a case of mistaken identity while chasing a shooting suspect. He was in plainclothes returning from a court appearance when he witnessed a disturbance and shooting in the Hunts Point Avenue Station. He began chasing the suspect with his gun drawn.

As they exited the station, the suspect yelled to two NYPD officers that a crazy man with a gun was chasing him. One of the officers opened fire on Officer Skagen, fatally wounding him.

The suspect was apprehended and charged with the first homicide but was not charged in connection with Officer's Skagen's death.

Officer Skagen had served with the New York City Transit Police Department for two years and was assigned to Transit District 2. His wife and son survived him.