Bio & Incident Details
Age: 39
Tour: Not available
Badge # 3P16
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 4/16/1980
Weapon: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect: Shot and killed
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Patrolman Donald Burke was shot and killed while attempting to stop a vehicle he observed speeding through a residential area.
After a ten-block pursuit, the suspect stopped on Myrtle Street. The passenger jumped out of the car and ran back to patrol car with a gun and stuck it into the open window. The suspect and Patrolman Burke struggled while Patrolman Burke was still in the patrol car.
The suspect stepped away from the vehicle and fired four times, striking the officer. Patrolman Burke was able to call for assistance after being shot and was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
Two of the suspects later became engaged in a shootout with the Aberdeen Police Department. The suspect who had killed Patrolman Burke was shot and killed. The other suspect was arrested, convicted, and later died in prison.
Patrolman Burke is survived by his wife and four daughters.
