Babylon Town Bay Constable, New York
End of Watch: Friday, July 16, 2004
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 23 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 16, 2004
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Bay Constable Richard Brooks was shot and killed by a suspect he stopped for driving while intoxicated.
Constable Brooks observed the suspect erratically operating a vehicle on the Robert Moses Twin Causeway that connects Oak Beach to mainland Long Island. Constable Brooks attempted to stop the suspect, but the suspect fled in his vehicle. After a short pursuit, the suspect pulled into the driveway of his home on Hawser Drive. He exited his vehicle and fled into his house.
The constable called for backup and exited his patrol car. As he did, the suspect opened fire with a 12-gauge shotgun from the second floor of his home, striking the constable in the chest.
The suspect then came back outside and got into his vehicle. He ran over Constable Brooks several times before his escape. Back-up officers from the New York State Park Police blocked the road with a patrol car, causing the suspect to stop and exit his vehicle. When the suspect left his car, he pointed his shotgun at the officers. The officers fired at the suspect, killing him.
Constable Brooks had served as a part-time uniformed Bay Constable one day a week for three years, helping to police the waterways and three beaches in the Town of Babylon. He had previously served for 20 years with the New York City Transit Police Department and New York City Police Department, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant. Constable Brooks is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.