New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Monday, November 5, 1928
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: 595
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: November 5, 1928
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Behnstedt was killed while pursuing an intoxicated man who had just stolen a car.
The suspect stole a vehicle, and then failed to yield to Patrolman Behnstedt, who was on traffic patrol at the corner of Eastern parkway and Utica Avenue, Brooklyn. Patrolman Behnstedt commandeered a passing vehicle, firing several shots at the suspect. Patrolman Behnstedt caught the suspect at the corner of Amboy Street and Sutter Avenue, jumped on the running board of the vehicle and ordered the suspect to drive to the Brownsville Station House. While en route, the suspect swerved the vehicle into a parked Taxicab, crushing Patrolman Behnstedt between the two vehicle, killing him.
Patrolman Behnstedt was awarded the New York City Police Department's Medal of Honor for his actions.
Patrolman Behnstedt was survived by his wife of one month. He was assigned to Traffic Precinct G.