Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Peter DeCarlo was shot and killed after responding to a robbery call. Patrolman DeCarlo and his partner were on patrol when they were alerted to a robbery at a store at 537 Court Street. When they responded Patrolman DeCarlo entered through the side door and his partner through the front. Patrolman DeCarlo’s partner took one suspect into custody, and they used him as a shield as he ordered the others to drop their guns. One suspect opened fire at Patrolman DeCarlo as he entered through the side door. That shot struck him in the head. The captured suspect then tried to wrestle away Patrolman Decarlo’s partner’s gun, but he was shot and killed. The suspect that shot Patrolman DeCarlo fled on foot with the other Patrolman in pursuit. They exchanged shots, and the suspect was struck several times. He was arrested and charged with murder. The 20-year-old suspect was committed to the Matteawan Hospital for the criminally insane. On July 1, 1959, he was declared sane and released. Patrolman DeCarlo had served with the New York City Police Department for almost four years and was assigned to the 72nd Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-6A67B2F2- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman DeCarlo gave the New York City Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman DeCarlo.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Peter Frank DeCarlo is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At New York City Police Department, 382 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 30.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Peter Frank DeCarlo's cause is highlighted.
How Peter Frank DeCarlo Compares
Offender Outcome
Released in 1959
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Peter Frank DeCarlo is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Peter Frank DeCarlo was killed by gun; unknown type.
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.
