New York State Office of Court Administration, New York
End of Watch: Thursday, July 7, 1988
Age: 42
Tour of Duty: 16 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 7, 1988
Weapon Used: Handgun; .25 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Senior Court Clerk Alphonso Deal was shot and killed while coming to the assistance of a robbery victim on West 140th Street in New York City at approximately 11:10 pm.
He was attempting to arrest a man who had shot another man and stolen his bicycle when the man suddenly turned around and opened fire, striking Officer Deal. Although mortally wounded, Officer Deal was able to return fire and struck the suspect five times, wounding him. Officer Deal was transported to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital where he died of his injuries.
The 27-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He will be eligible for parole in 2033.
Court Officer Deal had served with the New York State Office of Court Administration for 16 years. He was survived by his mother and sibling.