Newark Police Division, New Jersey
End of Watch: Sunday, February 23, 1975
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: 575
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 23, 1975
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer Richard Burns was shot and killed when he attempted to intervene in a robbery at a downtown tavern.
Officer Burns was inside the tavern when several men entered and announced a robbery. Officer Burns attempted to arrest the men and exchanged shots with them. The officer was able to wound one of the suspects but was mortally wounded himself.
All of the suspects were apprehended and sentenced to life in prison. One of the suspects died in prison and the other two were eventually paroled.
Officer Burns is survived by his wife and six children.