Patrolman Arthur Pelo

Patrolman Arthur Pelo

New York City Housing Authority Police Department, New York

End of Watch Saturday, September 25, 1971

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Arthur Pelo

Patrolman Arthur Pelo was shot and killed when he attempted to question a robbery suspect in front of a public housing building at 694 Rockaway Avenue in the Brownsville section of the city.

Patrolman Pelo and his partner were flagged down by a citizen who told him that a man who had robbed him a month ago was standing in front of 694 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn. As Patrolman Pelo and his partner approached the suspect, the suspect drew a pistol and opened fire, striking Patrolman Pelo in the head and his partner in the leg. The suspect was wounded when the officers were able to return fire but were able to elude capture.

Patrolman Pelo was taken to Brookdale Hospital where he died from his wounds.

The suspect escaped but was apprehended later in the day by detectives, who tracked him to the basement of an abandoned building.

Patrolman Pelo was a Vietnam War veteran and had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for two years. He was survived by his expectant wife.

Bio

  • Age 23
  • Tour 2 years
  • Badge 3259

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Shot and killed

burglary, investigation, suspicious person

Most Recent Reflection

View all 29 Reflections

Dear Adelaide: Although we’ve never meet, and our family ties are somewhat distant, please let me offer my sincere condolences these many years after your loss of Arthur. Arthur’s dad – who we fondly referred to as Uncle Nathan, was one of my grandmother’s brothers. He frequently visited her and my dad and his 2 brothers (Anthony (‘Babe’) and John) at their shared household on 8th Street in Gowanus. My family lived in the house adjacent to my grandmother’s, other Pelo family members in the next adjacent house as well. Uncle Nathan would visit on a routine basis and was proud of Arthur’s service with the NYCHA PD. While my memories are faded, I’ve never forgotten the terrible loss of Arthur and the impact to his Dad. May your fondest memories of Arthur endure forever.

Ralph Gatto
Extended Family

March 25, 2023

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