New York City Housing Authority Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Saturday, July 18, 1992
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: 3960
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 18, 1992
Weapon Used: Handgun; 9 mm
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 30 years to life
Police Officer Paul Heidelberger was shot and killed while attempting to break up a fight in front of a bar at the intersection of Bell Boulevard and 39th Avenue in the Bayside section.
A bouncer at a neighboring bar opened fire on the group as Officer Heidelberger attempted to break up the fight, striking him and two other men. The bouncer then walked over and shot Officer Heidelberger and the other man in the head, killing them.
The suspect fled the scene but was arrested several days later. He was convicted of one count of second-degree murder and one count of second-degree manslaughter and sentenced to 30 years to life. He will be eligible for parole in 2022.
Officer Heidelberger had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for six years. He is survived by his mother, two brothers, and two sisters.