In the late summer of 2006, a dedicated five-year veteran of the Orange Police Department, Inspector Kieran Tyon Shields, tragically lost his life in the line of duty. The 32-year-old male officer was responding to a call of shots fired in a residential neighborhood on August 7th. A witness at the scene reported that the gunman had fled and was hiding behind an abandoned home on Taylor Street.
Without hesitation, Inspector Shields began a foot pursuit of the suspect.
As he approached the rear porch of the deserted house, the suspect, who had concealed himself inside, fired a shotgun. The blast struck Inspector Shields in his neck and collarbone area, just above the protection of his bulletproof vest. He was rushed to University Hospital in Newark but was pronounced dead upon arrival, leaving behind a wife and three children.
A massive manhunt for the perpetrator ensued, and thirteen hours after the fatal shooting, a 20-year-old male suspect was taken into custody. At the time of the incident, the suspect was out on bail awaiting trial for burglary and weapons charges. He was subsequently charged with murder and weapons offenses in connection with Inspector Shields' death.
On January 3, 2008, the suspect pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. In a plea agreement, he was sentenced to 40 years in prison. In a posthumous ceremony on October 7, 2008, the Orange Police Department honored the fallen officer's bravery and sacrifice by promoting him to the rank of Inspector.
