Detective Bernard L. Halperin

Bernard L. Halperin

Detective Bernard "Barney" L. Halperin was killed in a exchange of gunfire with an armed robbery suspect.

Detective Halperin finished his shift at the Wabash Station at 8:00 a.m.. During lunch hour, he was visiting a friend when a citizen ran in and told him of an armed robbery in progress at 116 East 43rd Street.

Other off duty officers nearby were also hearing about the armed robbery and arrived at the restaurant the same time Halperin did. Detective Halperin secured the front entrance as the other officers covered the sides and rear.

The gunman realized police were outside and exited the establishment shooting. Detective Halperin was struck in the head but still managed to wound his assailant, who fired two more shots into the mortally wounded officer. The gunman was able to make it to his vehicle when four other police officers converged upon him, all firing. He returned fire, slumped over the wheel and died at the scene.

Detective Halperin and his partner worked on 200 murder cases, solving a large number of them. The slain detective had been on the force for 22 years and was given a credible mention for meritorious service. He planned to retire in two years. Detective Halperin is survived by his wife.