Buffalo Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Wednesday, April 9, 1997
Age: 36
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: 2778
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 9, 1997
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer Charles McDougald and another officer were shot at approximately 0045 hours after approaching a suspicious person who may have been stripping a car.
As the officers approached, the suspect turned and fired at them. Officer McDougald was struck in the chest and died a short time later at the hospital. He was not wearing a vest at the time of the shooting.
The 18 year-old suspect, who had a previous history of violent crimes, was found guilty of murder of a police officer and attempted murder of a police officer and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Officer McDougald had served with the Buffalo Police Department for 8 years and was assigned to Precinct 12. He is survived by his wife and four children.