Officer Scannell arrested a man who was causing a disturbance. The man began to beat Officer Scannell. Two other officers arrived in their squad car to assist and put the offender in the back of their car. People who were watching the altercation let the man out of the car. Officer Scannell then grabbed the offender, struggled with him and then got him back in the car. Officer Scannell then collapsed in the street and later passed at the hospital.

He was survived by his wife and eight children.