Patrolman William Baumfield

William Baumfield

Patrolman William Baumfield was shot and killed as he attempted to stop a robbery in a hotel.

Patrolman Baumfield and his partner went off duty after making an arrest earlier in the evening. The two patrolman were to appear in court early the next morning, so they went to the Congress Hotel on West 69th Street for a few hours of sleep. The patrolman got rooms on the first floor, near the check-in counter. As they slept, two youths, armed with handguns entered the hotel and robbed one of the workers. The boys then entered the room where Patrolman Baumfield was sleeping and attempted to rob him Patrolman Baumfield was killed as he attempted to stop the robbery and apprehended the suspect. Both suspects were apprehended. One admitted that he shot Patrolman Baumfield.

Patrolman Baumfield had served with the New York City Police Department for six years and was assigned to the 4th Division.