Sergeant Steven Francis Gaughan

Sergeant Steven Francis Gaughan

Prince George's County Police Department, Maryland

End of Watch Tuesday, June 21, 2005

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Steven Francis Gaughan

Corporal Steven Gaughan was shot and killed at approximately 11:00 am when he and two officers stopped a suspicious vehicle near the intersection of Route 197 and South Laurel Drive in Laurel, Maryland.

The three occupants exited the vehicle and fled to a nearby apartment building. Corporal Gaughan chased one of the suspects behind the building where the two exchanged shots and Corporal Gaughan was struck once. He was flown to Prince George's Hospital Center where he succumbed to the wound several hours later.

The suspect was also wounded in the exchange of gunfire and taken into custody. The other two occupants of the vehicle fled into a nearby apartment where they were apprehended after a short standoff. The suspect who shot Corporal Gaughan was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Corporal Gaughan had served with the Prince George's County Police Department for 15 years, and was assigned to the Special Assignment Team in District VI. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Bio

  • Age 41
  • Tour 15 years
  • Badge 1734

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .40 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

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Steve,

We adopted a kitten about a year ago, saved him from a shelter and he made the 3rd cat in the household. He was a small kitten and now a small cat; smaller than the two other cats we have. They outweigh him by 3-4 lbs, but you'd never know it. He's extremely lovable, but we end up yelling his name at least several times a day, as he reminds the other two cats size doesn't matter :)

We always take our time to name a new pet as they are members of our Family. We want to get to know them for a bit before actually giving them a name for life. The new kitten was no exception. So, after much reflection, and watching him integrate into our Family, I named him Super P'Nut. We never use the "Super" as it's only listed on his Vet Name and his Pet Insurance. But, if the windows are open, and you listen long enough outside our house, you'll hear one of us yell "P'Nut" at some point every day.

It was about 3 months after I named him, and we had grown to love that little pain in the butt more than we dreamed, it hit me. I was looking down at my left wrist, where I still wear the Thin Blue Line bracelet since the day of your services, and I made the connection. I named him after you Steve.

So today, 15 years later, I want you to know you’re thought of often, loved by many, and live on in many ways of remembrance.

Miss You,

P. V.

P. V.
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June 21, 2020

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