Newark Police Division, New Jersey
End of Watch: Wednesday, March 1, 1978
Age: 43
Tour of Duty: 18 years
Badge Number: 1547
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 1, 1978
Weapon Used: Handgun; .22 caliber
Suspect Info: Paroled in 1992
Officer Arthur Williams was shot and killed while chasing two men who had broken into his apartment.
As Officer Williams awoke and sat up in his bed, a 17-year-old standing at his door shot him in the heart. The suspect was standing watch as the other 23-year-old intruder searched the apartment. Officer Williams managed to grab his service revolver and fired three wild shots as he chased the suspects down the stairs before collapsing.
Both suspects were eventually apprehended and sentenced to life. The gunman was paroled on December 22, 1992.
Officer Williams had served with the Newark Police Department for 18 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.