Detective Brian P. Simonsen

Detective Brian P. Simonsen

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Tuesday, February 12, 2019

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Brian P. Simonsen

Detective Brian Simonsen was shot and killed while responding to a robbery at a cell phone store at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and 120th Street in the Richmond Hill section of the city.

Detective Simonsen and his sergeant were canvassing on an unrelated case when they heard a call for a robbery in progress. They responded to the store where they encountered a subject and attempted to apprehend him. As patrol officers responded to the scene, both detectives, who were in plainclothes, were struck by friendly fire as the suspect pointed what was later determined to be a fake gun at responding officers.

Detective Simonsen succumbed to his wounds. His sergeant was transported to a local hospital with injuries.

The suspect was also shot and wounded. In November 2021, the suspect pleaded guilty to robbery and aggravated manslaughter as part of a plea agreement and was sentenced to 33 years in prison. The accomplice has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault, murder, robbery, and weapons possession offenses and was convicted of murder on June 13th, 2022. He was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.

Detective Simonsen had served with the New York City Police Department for 19 years and was assigned to the 102nd Precinct Detective Squad. He is survived by his wife, mother, and sister.

Bio

  • Age 42
  • Tour 19 years
  • Badge 3877

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender 33 years

crossfire, no vest, plainclothes, robbery

Most Recent Reflection

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Rest in peace Detective Simonsen. My dad Patrolman Owen C. Davis may he and you rest in peace worked from 1928 until 1966 out of the 102nd precinct.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 10, 2024

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