New York City Housing Authority Police Department, New York
End of Watch Thursday, June 16, 1988
Add to My HeroesGary L. Peaco
Police Officer Gary Peaco was killed in an automobile crash while responding to an "officer needs assistance" call from two members of the New York City Police Department.
The two NYPD officers had just engaged four robbery suspects in a gun battle. The four males were suspected of stealing a gold neck chain at gunpoint from another man in the East Tremont section of the Bronx at about 5:25 am. During the shootout, the two officers left their vehicle to seek cover. When they did, two of the four suspects stole their police car and fled.
Officer Peaco and his partner were responding to the "10-13" call from the officers and were traveling north on the Grand Concourse near Echo Place when they passed an ambulance that was responding to an unrelated call. As they passed, the ambulance clipped the rear of their police car, causing it to spin out of control, strike a lamppost, then a tree, and burst into flames. Officer Peaco, who was driving, was thrown from the vehicle and landed 30 feet away.
Officer Peaco was transported to Jacobi Hospital but did not survive his injuries.
Police Officer Gary L. Peaco had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for two and half years. He was survived by his wife and twin daughters.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 2 years, 5 months
- Badge 4017
Incident Details
- Cause Automobile crash
Most Recent Reflection
View all 34 ReflectionsOn this day, 35 years ago, you made the ultimate sacrifice and lost your life while responding to calls for help from other officers. I still think about this day and often regret not being able to cancel the response, while the perps stole the rmp and left me standing in the street as my partner chased 2 perps and was out of my sight. There was so much radio traffic that I couldn’t get through while others chased the perps in our stolen rmp, 1606. My partner and I, chose to never submit for any Department recognition, although many others did. We just could not wear a medal when the incident caused the death of one of our own. So, on this sad day, RIP my brother, it would have been an honor to know you.
I was the cop calling that 10-13 that day, and I will never forget your sacrifice.
Police Officer (ret) Michael Neithardt
NYPD
June 16, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Tucker Blakely
Knox County Sheriff's Office, TN
EOW: October 2, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Shannon Eric "Shane" Lang, Sr.
Marion County Sheriff's Department, TN
EOW: September 17, 2023

Captain John Robert Randolph, III
Ringling Police Department, OK
EOW: September 25, 2023

Correctional Officer I Robert Clark
Georgia Department of Corrections, GA
EOW: October 1, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Jacob Eric Salrin
Richland County Sheriff's Department, SC
EOW: September 29, 2023

Community Parole Officer Christine Guerin-Sandoval
Colorado Department of Corrections, CO
EOW: September 28, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Marylin Anjanette Mayo
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: September 21, 2023

Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023