Patrolman Charles Sauer

Charles Sauer

Patrolman Charles Sauer was shot and killed when he and a sergeant interrupted a robbery of a barber shop.

Patrolman Sauer was on foot patrol in Brooklyn and returning to the station house at the end of his tour when a man approached him told him that a barbershop, located at 59 Summit Street, was being robbed. Patrolman Sauer alerted a Sergeant who was passing in a patrol car, and the two responded to the location.

Patrolman Sauer and the Sergeant attempted to enter the location through the front door, but it was locked. The officers then entered the building where the shop was located and kicked down the rear door to the shop. The officers encountered three suspects holding three victims at gunpoint. One suspect ran toward a window but was shot and wounded by the Sergeant. The Sergeant tackled the second suspect. The third suspect fled out of the back door of the location, where he encountered Patrolman Sauer. The suspect opened fire, striking Patrolman Sauer in the head. The suspect then fled the location. He was apprehended a short time later.

Patrolman Sauer was transported to Cumberland Hospital where he died from his wound. All three suspects were taken into custody and charged with murder.

Patrolman Sauer was assigned to the Hamilton Avenue Station (76th Precinct). His wife survived him.