Bay Constable Richard L. Brooks
Babylon Town Bay Constable
New York
End of Watch: Friday, July 16, 2004

Biographical Info
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 23 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Friday, July 16, 2004
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Bay Constable Brooks was shot and killed by a suspect he stopped for driving while intoxicated.

Constable Brooks observed the suspect operating a vehicle in an erratic manner on the Robert Moses Twin Causeway that connects Oak Beach to mainland Long Island. Constable Brooks attempted to stop the suspect, but the suspect fled in his vehicle. After a short pursuit, the suspect pulled into the driveway of his home. He exited his vehicle and fled into his house.

Constable Brooks called for back-up and exited his patrol car. As he exited, the suspect opened fire with a 12-gauge shotgun from the second floor of his home, striking Constable Brooks in the chest.

The suspect then came back outside and got into his vehicle. He ran over Constable Brooks several times before he attempted to flee in his vehicle. Back-up officers from the New York State Park Police blocked the road with a patrol car, causing the suspect to stop and exit his vehicle.

When the suspect exited his vehicle, he pointed his shotgun at the officers. The officers fired at the suspect, killing him.

Constable Brooks had served as a part-time uniformed Bay Constable one day a week for three years, helping to police the waterways and three beaches in the Town of Babylon. He had previously served for 20 years with the New York City Transit Police Department and New York City Police Department, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant.

Constable Brooks is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.