Roundsman Robert A. Montgomery

Roundsman Robert A. Montgomery

New York Municipal Police Department, New York

End of Watch Tuesday, January 11, 1887

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Robert A. Montgomery

Roundsman Montgomery was shot and killed by an officer he was assigned to supervise. While conducting his post inspections, Roundsman Montgomery found that one of his Officers was not on his post. Roundsman Montgomery was able to locate the Officer inside a bar, where he found him with his hat off and his jacket open, sitting in front of a fire. The Officer's belt and club were at his side.

Roundsman Montgomery asked of the Officer "What are you doing here?", and the Officer answered, "Do you plan to make a complaint?" Roundsman Montgomery informed the Officer that he did plan to file a complaint and he ordered the officer back to post.

When Roundsman Montgomery and the Officer reached Seventy-Third street and Madison Avenue, the Officer drew his revolver and fired at Roundsman Montgomery. After being hit with the first shot, Roundsman Montgomery turned and the Officer stated "I'll fix you" and fired again. Roundsman Montgomery was able to wrestle the revolver away from the officer before he collapsed.

Roundsman Montgomery was removed to the hospital where he died from his wounds three days later.

The officer was arrested and charged with murder. He was convicted after a jury trial and sentenced to life in prison.

Roundsman Montgomery had served with the agency for ten years. His wife and son survived him.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour 10 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Saturday, January 8, 1887
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life in prison

Most Recent Reflection

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Roundsman Montgomery‘s photograph hangs in the current 19 PCT station house on E. 67th St. He was the first officer killed in the line of duty from that command. From what I know he left behind a wife and a son. His son had no children, and he died a widower himself in 1966. He lived in Stanhope NJ. This above image of Robert Montgomery came from (The National Police Gazette) magazine.

Richard Flaherty
NYPD

December 26, 2020

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