New York City Housing Authority Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Friday, June 15, 1979
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: 3310
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 15, 1979
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Convicted of negligent homicide
Officer Donald was shot and killed after responding to a burglary in progress call.
Officer Donald and his partner responding to a burglary in progress call in the Butler Housing Projects in the Bronx. When they arrived they found the door to the apartment had the lock drilled out. The officers entered the apartment and as they walked down the hall, Patrolman Donald was shot in the head and chest. Patrolman Donald's partner returned fire and the suspect surrendered. He was arrested and charged with murder.
The suspect, 32, said he had permission to be in the apartment and mistook Officer Donald for the burglar. On August 2, 1980, he was convicted of criminally negligent homicide. The maximum penalty is four years.
Patrolman Donald had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for 9 years and was survived by his wife and daughter. He was assigned to Service Area 7.