Patrolman Richard E. Pelkey, Lake Placid Police Department, New York

Patrolman Richard E. Pelkey

Lake Placid Police Department, New York

End of Watch Thursday, August 12, 1954

Richard E. Pelkey

Patrolman Richard Pelkey was shot and killed in a standoff with a burglar at a cabin in Lake Placid, New York.

He and other officers had cornered a wanted burglar who was an AWOL Air Force major. The suspect, hiding in a shower stall, opened fire and struck three officers. Officer Pelkey suffered a fatal wound.

The suspect was later caught in Reno, Nevada. He was convicted of second-degree murder but only served fourteen years in prison. The man was later killed in an automobile accident in 1970.

Patrolman Pelkey had served with the agency for eight years and had previously served for five years with the Quartermaster Corps during WWII. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 8 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Released after 14 years

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Most Recent Reflection

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My dad, Stan Pelkey, was Richard's uncle... He loved Richard like a son. I was in 5th grade in summer when he was killed. I remember his wonderful and warm Pelkey smile.... Rest in peace, dear Richard.

Beverley Pelkey Farrell no rank
Richard was my cousin.

August 15, 2017