Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Behnstedt was killed while pursuing an intoxicated man who had just stolen a car. The suspect stole a vehicle, and then failed to yield to Patrolman Behnstedt, who was on traffic patrol at the corner of Eastern parkway and Utica Avenue, Brooklyn. Patrolman Behnstedt commandeered a passing vehicle, firing several shots at the suspect. Patrolman Behnstedt caught the suspect at the corner of Amboy Street and Sutter Avenue, jumped on the running board of the vehicle and ordered the suspect to drive to the Brownsville Station House. While en route, the suspect swerved the vehicle into a parked Taxicab, crushing Patrolman Behnstedt between the two vehicle, killing him. Patrolman Behnstedt was awarded the New York City Police Department's Medal of Honor for his actions. Patrolman Behnstedt was survived by his wife of one month. He was assigned to Traffic Precinct G.
Survivors
Patrolman Behnstedt was survived by his wife of one month.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-NY-EADD4213- Stewardship
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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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Behnstedt 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 Behnstedt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Henry C. Behnstedt 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. Henry C. Behnstedt's cause is highlighted.
How Henry C. Behnstedt Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Henry C. Behnstedt is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Henry C. Behnstedt was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
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