Nassau County Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Sunday, December 16, 1979
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 13 years
Badge Number: 1247
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: December 16, 1979
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Community service and probation
Police Officer David Greer was struck by a drunk driver and killed while talking with a motorist he had pulled over on the Long Island Expressway in Plainview, New York.
The 23-year-old driver dragged him more than 150 feet before fleeing and also hit the car he had pulled over, injuring a registered nurse who comforted Officer Greer as he died. The driver of the vehicle was located with the help of CB radio users who were in the area.
The subject was charged with hit and run, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and DWI. He was released after posting a $5,000 bond. He pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide and was sentenced to community service and five years of probation.
Officer Greer was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. He had been with the Nassau County Police Department for 13 years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.