New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Thursday, December 11, 1997
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 6 months
Badge Number: 28999
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
Date of Incident: December 9, 1996
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Police Officer Neil Forster died of the injuries he sustained one year earlier when he was struck by a vehicle being operated by an intoxicated driver.
Officer Forster and his partner responded to an automobile accident on the Major Deegan Expressway, near West 230th Street, in the Bronx. When they arrived at the scene, the officers decided to layout flares to divert traffic off the expressway. Almost immediately after exiting his patrol car, Officer Forster and his patrol car were struck from behind by a vehicle being operated by an intoxicated man.
Officer Forster was thrown approximately fifty feet and received serious injuries. Due to his injuries, his right leg had to be amputated.
In June 1997, Officer Forster received the New York City Police Department's Purple Shield Medal.
One year after the accident, Officer Forster became seriously ill due to his injuries and died.
Officer Forester had served with the New York City Police Department for 2-1/2 years and was assigned to the 50th Precinct. He is survived by his wife and infant son.