Rochester Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Friday, December 11, 1959
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 11, 1959
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Patrolman Harold Shaw was shot and killed by burglary suspects after the building they were burglarizing was surrounded.
He discovered a burglary in progress at the Rae Oil Company at 10 Ambrose Street and radioed for backup. Once backup officers arrived a perimeter was established with an officer at all windows and doors. Gunfire erupted at the window where Patrolman Shaw was standing and he was struck once in the arm and once in the chest. He returned fire before he succumbed to his wounds at the scene.
The two perpetrators fled through that window and were later captured.
Both suspects were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in Attica State Prison on June 29th, 1960. One subject was released from prison on December 24th, 1979. The other was released on November 15th, 1984.