New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Tuesday, August 16, 1988
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 27862
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Date of Incident: August 16, 1988
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Charged with negligent homicide
Police Officer Joe Galapo was accidentally shot and killed by his partner as the two officers attempted to arrest two narcotics suspects on Fourth Avenue, between 59th Street and 60th Street.
Officer Galapo and his partner were arresting two subjects who had just engaged in a narcotics transaction.
The officers had both suspects place their hands on the hood of a car, and as Officer Galapo moved in to handcuff the suspects, one of the men spun around and struck Officer Galapo's partner in the arm. Officer Galapo's partner's arm was thrown to the side, and his firearm discharged one round. The round struck Officer Galapo in the head. Officer Galapo was transported to the hospital where he died several hours later from the wound.
The subject, who was on probation, was apprehended after a short pursuit and charged with criminally negligent homicide. He was sentenced to the maximum sentence of two to four years.
Officer Galapo had served with the New York City Police Department for five years and was assigned to Brooklyn South Narcotics. He was survived by his wife and three children.