Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Robert Holmes was shot and killed in a running gun battle with a burglar in Harlem. Patrolman Holmes was standing on his post at the corner of Lenox Avenue and 139th Street in Manhattan when he heard four gunshots. He ran to the sound and surprised a burglar who was climbing out of a window at 68 West 139th Street. The burglar had entered the apartment but was confronted by the homeowner. When confronted, the burglar fired four shots at the homeowner, missing him with each shot. Patrolman Holmes chased the burglar down an alley, exchanging gunfire. The suspect entered a house at 14 West 138th Street and hid in a hallway. As Patrolman Holmes approached him, the suspect fired two shots, striking Patrolman Holmes in the head and face, killing him. The suspect was arrested in Stamford, Connecticut, a few days later. Three New York detectives found a hat near the crime scene that belonged to the suspect. They traced the hat to a storekeeper in Stamford. He said he sold the hat to the suspect who lived in Stamford. The suspect was arrested, returned to New York, convicted of murder, and sentenced to prison. Patrolman Holmes had served with the New York City Police Department for four years and was assigned to the 38th Precinct, the current-day 32nd Precinct. At the time of his murder, he was one of only four black police officers serving with the agency. He was survived by his parents. He is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Maspeth, Queens County, New York.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents.
In Our Keeping
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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 Holmes 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 Holmes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Robert H. Holmes 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. Robert H. Holmes's cause is highlighted.
How Robert H. Holmes Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert H. Holmes is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert H. Holmes was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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