Patrolman William J. Duncan

William J. Duncan

Patrolman William Duncan was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend car thief who fled from the scene of a vehicle collision.

Patrolman Duncan was on foot patrol near the corner of Ninth Avenue and Forty Eighth Street when he observed a vehicle collide with a parked car. Unknown to Patrolman Duncan, the driver had stolen the vehicle hours earlier. Upon observing the collision, Patrolman Duncan approached the scene. As he did, the driver exited from the vehicle and fled on foot. Patrolman Duncan pursued him, and fired two warning shots into the air.

As Patrolman Duncan got closer to the suspect, the suspect turned and fired a .25 caliber pistol, striking Patrolman Duncan in the chest. Patrolman Duncan was able to return fire before falling to the ground, but his shots did not strike the suspect. Patrolman Duncan died at the scene.

The suspect dropped his gun and continued to flee on foot, escaping capture. He was never identified.

Patrolman Duncan served with the New York City Police Department for two years. He was assigned to the Midtown North Precinct.