Police Officer Andrew T. Peterson, Wilmington Police Department, Delaware

Police Officer Andrew T. Peterson

Wilmington Police Department, Delaware

End of Watch Saturday, June 27, 1885

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Andrew T. Peterson

Police Officer Andrew Peterson was shot and killed after responding to reports of a domestic disturbance at the intersection of Front Street (modern-day Lancaster Avenue) and Broom Street.

A male subject had accused his wife of infidelity after becoming drunk. The man refused to let the woman into their home and began throwing stones at her.

When Officer Peterson arrived the man produced a revolver. Officer Peterson was shot in the abdomen when he stepped in front of the woman to protect her.

A group of bystanders attempted to subdue the suspect, who escaped after shooting into the crowd. The man was later apprehended. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. In 1895 he was pardoned by Governor Robert J. Reynolds.

Officer Peterson was survived by his wife and children.

Bio

Age 45
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Revolver
Offender Pardoned in 1895

domestic

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Patrolman Peterson, you are remembered. Ptlm. Peterson was acting in his official capacity at the time but was at home off duty eating dinner with his wife and children. His shift was to start in an hour. He heard the disturbance near his residence and grabbed his police uniform jacket and hat and went to investigate. His spouse begged him to stay and finish his dinner. His last words to his family were "I will do my duty." Words he lived and died by. Rest Easy Brother........

Sgt. Albert J. Wysock
Cheswold PD & (New Castle County retired)

June 26, 2022