Patrolman Peter Frank DeCarlo

Peter Frank DeCarlo

Patrolman Peter DeCarlo was shot and killed after responding to a robbery call. Patrolman DeCarlo and his partner were on patrol when they were alerted to a robbery at a store at 537 Court Street. When they responded Patrolman DeCarlo entered through the side door and his partner through the front. Patrolman DeCarlo’s partner took one suspect into custody, and they used him as a shield as he ordered the others to drop their guns. One suspect opened fire at Patrolman DeCarlo as he entered through the side door. That shot struck him in the head.

The captured suspect then tried to wrestle away Patrolman Decarlo’s partner’s gun, but he was shot and killed. The suspect that shot Patrolman DeCarlo fled on foot with the other Patrolman in pursuit. They exchanged shots, and the suspect was struck several times. He was arrested and charged with murder.

The 20-year-old suspect was committed to the Matteawan Hospital for the criminally insane. On July 1, 1959, he was declared sane and released.

Patrolman DeCarlo had served with the New York City Police Department for almost four years and was assigned to the 72nd Precinct. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters.