New York City Housing Authority Police Department, New York
End of Watch Thursday, November 20, 1980
Add to My HeroesJames T. Dunston
Police Officer James Dunston was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to a robbery in progress.
Officer Dunston and his partner were directed by their central dispatcher to respond to a burglary in progress on East 102nd Street in Manhattan. There was, in fact, a "push-in robbery" in progress at the location. Three armed suspects had pushed their way into an apartment. The suspects were holding a family hostage until another family member arrived home. That family member had the combination to the family safe.
When the officers arrived, they knocked on the door of the apartment. When the door opened, the one suspect opened fire with a shotgun, killing Officer Dunston. Officer Dunston's partner returned fire and called for backup. As he was calling for backup, all three suspects fled. One suspect was apprehended by backup officers and the two other suspects were apprehended the next day by detectives. All three suspects were charged with murder, found guilty, and sentenced to life.
Officer Dunston was a United States Army veteran and had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for 11 years and was assigned to Police Service Area 5. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 33
- Tour 11 years
- Badge 2653
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun
- Offender Three charged with murder
Most Recent Reflection
View all 65 ReflectionsGood morning .My name is Robert Arrington I am retired Det.NYPD. James Dunston was my training officer at PSA#5 Duck as I called him was a wonderful PO and man.He taught me so much.On the day of his death I was working in the sector Duck was killed in.Duck and his partner relieved meand my partner in their RMP.They just got thier pictures taken at PSA#6 and relieved us so we could get ours taken.We heard the call on the radio of cop shot while at PSA#6.By the time we raced to the scene they were carrying Duck out of the building.I will always love and honor my hero training officer PO James Duck DunstonRIP. DUCK Love the KID as you always called me.
Retired Detective Robert Arrington
NYPD
January 26, 2022
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