Detective Bernard L. Christopher
Mount Vernon Police Department
New York

End of Watch: Monday, June 24, 1974
Cause: Gunfire

Biographical Info
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: 36

Detective Bernard Christopher was shot and killed when he attempted to stop a robbery while off-duty.

Detective Christoper was at a local restaurant when a man armed with a 12-gague shotgun entered the location an announced a robbery. Detective Christopher drew his revolver and exchanged gunfire with the suspect. Detective Christopher was struck in the chest and killed.

An off-duty Police Officer from the New York City Police Department, who was also in the restaurant pursued the suspect on foot and exchanged gunfire with him. That officer was slightly wounded and was unable to apprehended the suspect.

The suspect was captured the next month in New York City after he was arrested there for an unrelated murder.

Detective Christopher had served with the Mount Vernon Police Department for ten years and was survived by his wife.

 
Photograph: Detective Bernard L. Christopher

Patch image: Mount Vernon Police Department, New York

Visit Detective Christopher's memorial at www.ODMP.org