Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Peter Costa was shot and killed when he and his partner went to investigate a disorderly house. Patrolman Costa and his partner went to an apartment building at 204 West 81st Street, Manhattan, to investigate complaints that it was being operated as a disorderly house. While Patrolman Costa remained in the hallway, his partner went into the apartment, closing the door behind him. When Patrolman Costa's partner entered the apartment, he observed three men holding up seven other men and three women. The armed men tackled the patrolman, took his gun, and tied his arms. One of the suspects attempted to fire the Patrolman's gun, but the gun misfired. The suspect exited the apartment, where he met Patrolman Costa. Patrolman Costa and the suspect exchanged shots, and Patrolman Costa was killed. Patrolman Costa's partner freed himself and rushed to help Patrolman Costa. He was able to wound one suspect. One suspect fled by jumping out a window, falling four stories, breaking both legs. The suspect who shot Patrolman Costa escaped but was later apprehended near San Diego, California. Patrolman Costa assigned to the 3rd Division.
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BO-US-NY-81E8762A- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Costa served with the New York City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Costa.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Peter Costa is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At New York City Police Department, 365 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 29.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Peter Costa's cause is highlighted.
How Peter Costa Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Peter Costa is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Peter Costa was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1,236 officers from New York City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
