New York City Housing Authority Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Monday, May 4, 1981
Age: 42
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: None
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 4, 1981
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Paroled in 2020
Lieutenant Jan Brinkers was shot and killed while attempting to arrest three suspects robbing a tavern at 2639 Jerome Avenue in the Bronx.
Lieutenant Brinkers, who was off-duty at the time of the incident, was inside a tavern on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx when three men entered the bar and announced a robbery. Lieutenant Brinkers drew his weapon and identified himself as a Police Officer. One of the suspects opened fire, striking him in the chest. Lieutenant Brinkers was able to fire six shots at the suspects as they fled. It was believed he hit one in the leg. Lieutenant Brinkers was taken to the hospital, where he later died from his wounds.
Two suspects, 28 and 36, were apprehended 11 days later in the Bronx after police received a telephone tip from a woman. Another, 27, was apprehended two weeks later when he sought medical attention for a bullet in his leg at a hospital. He was determined to be the killer. All three were charged with murder. All three were refugees who came from Cuba during the "Mariel Boat Lift" from April 15, 1980, until October 31, 1980.
The suspect, 36, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled on February 28, 2018. The 28-year-old suspect, also sentenced to life, died in prison on July 9, 1985. Lieutenant Brinkers' killer was convicted of his murder and paroled on January 6, 2020.
Lieutenant Brinkers was a United States Army Reserve veteran who had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for 15 years and was assigned to Police Service 8. He is survived by his wife.