Police Officer James T. Dunston
New York City Housing Authority Police Department
New York
End of Watch: Thursday, November 20, 1980

Biographical Info
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: 2653

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, November 20, 1980
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Three charged with murder

Officer Dunston was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to a robbery in progress. Officer Dunston and his partner were directed by their central dispatcher to respond to a burglary in progress on East 102nd Street in Manhattan. There was, in fact, a "push in robbery" in progress at the location. Three armed suspects had pushed their way into an apartment. The suspects were holding a family hostage until another family member arrived home. That family member had the combination to the family safe.

When the officers arrived, they knocked on the door of the apartment. When the door opened, one suspect opened fire with a shotgun, killing Officer Dunston. Officer Dunston's partner returned fire and called for back-up. As he was calling for back-up, all three suspects fled. One suspect was apprehended by back-up officers and the two other suspects were apprehended the next day by detectives. All three suspects were charged with murder.

Officer Dunston had been a member of the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for 11 years and is survived by his wife and three children. He was assigned to Police Service Area 5.