Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch: Friday, January 24, 1964
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 24, 1964
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer Robert Handwerk was shot and killed as he and his partner responded to a robbery in progress at a deli at 1364 Florida Avenue, NE.
When the officers confronted one of the suspects, both men opened fire, striking Officer Handwerk five times. His partner was shot once in the leg and wounded. Despite the wound, he was able to return fire and struck one of the subjects as he fled.
Both subjects were arrested and charged with Officer Handwerk's murder. Both men were convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Handwerk had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and two children.