On the evening of August 16, 1988, 30-year-old Police Officer Joseph Galapo was killed during an undercover buy-and-bust operation in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn. Galapo and his sergeant moved to arrest suspects observed in a doorway and told them to place their hands on a car to be searched and handcuffed. As Galapo prepared to cuff one man, that suspect allegedly spun to flee; during the ensuing struggle the sergeant’s revolver discharged and a single bullet struck Galapo in the face. He was taken to Lutheran Medical Center and died several hours later.

The suspect who initiated the struggle, identified as 24-year-old Joseph Barker, was apprehended after a brief chase and charged with criminally negligent homicide. Officer Galapo was posthumously promoted to the rank of Detective. If anyone remembers that night or has information about the incident, please share what you know.