Andrew T. Peterson

Wilmington Police Department — Wilmington, DE

Felonious

End of Watch June 27, 1885

Age 45

The Vigil Panel 8 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 10

Incident

Police Officer Andrew Peterson was shot and killed after responding to reports of a domestic disturbance at the intersection of Front Street (modern-day Lancaster Avenue) and Broom Street. A male subject had accused his wife of infidelity after becoming drunk. The man refused to let the woman into their home and began throwing stones at her. When Officer Peterson arrived the man produced a revolver. Officer Peterson was shot in the abdomen when he stepped in front of the woman to protect her. A group of bystanders attempted to subdue the suspect, who escaped after shooting into the crowd. The man was later apprehended. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. In 1895 he was pardoned by Governor Robert J. Reynolds.

Survivors

Officer Peterson was survived by his wife and children.

In Our Keeping

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Added to badge.nw: April 2, 2026
Last updated: July 23, 2026

Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.

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Tributes

141 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Police Officer Peterson served with the Wilmington Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Wilmington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Wilmington Police Department

Location Wilmington, DE

Platform Identity wpd.newcastle.de.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch June 27, 1885

Age 45

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Handgun; Revolver

Offender Pardoned in 1895

Police Officer Andrew T. Peterson 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 DE, 25 of 51 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 49% of this state's fallen. That is 5.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.

At Wilmington Police Department, 7 of 11 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.6% of this agency's fallen.

Wilmington Police Department

of 11 officers

63.6% Felonious

DE — Statewide

of 51 officers

49% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious