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Patrolman Gerald Lee Carpenter | Pontiac Police Department, Michigan
Pontiac Police Department, Michigan

Patrolman

Gerald Lee Carpenter

Pontiac Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch: Tuesday, December 7, 1976

Biographical Info

Age: 24
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 125

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 7, 1976
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Patrolman Gerald Carpenter was shot and killed at the Pontiac General Hospital while guarding a prisoner who had been wounded in a shootout the previous day.

A woman dressed as a nurse and a male accomplice arrived at the suspect's room in an attempt to free him. The woman overpowered the officer in the room, tied him up with bedsheets, and placed him in a bathroom.

Patrolman Carpenter became suspicious and entered the room with his gun drawn. He was shot by the woman but was able to return fire and killed the accomplice. The woman and the original suspect fled the scene but were arrested a short time later.

Patrolman Carpenter had served with the Pontiac Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife.