In spring 1977, 26-year-old New York City Police Officer Robert W. Mandel was assigned to the 77th Precinct’s Anti-Crime Unit. On April 19 he and a partner, both in plainclothes, responded to a report of drug sales on Franklin Avenue in Brooklyn. After they had handed one arrestee to uniformed officers, a second man approached claiming to have information. As the officers stepped aside to speak with him, he grabbed the partner’s service weapon and opened fire, wounding both officers. Mandel was struck in the face and his partner in the torso; both were taken to a nearby hospital.

Officer Mandel died of his injuries on April 23, 1977. The shooter, described as 24 years old at the time, was arrested at his residence the same day and later charged with murder and attempted murder. He was convicted of first-degree murder on March 7, 1978, and sentenced to 20 years to life. Mandel had served five years with the NYPD and was survived by his wife, parents, and brother.

If anyone remembers Officer Mandel, his patrol work in the 77th Precinct, or the incident on Franklin Avenue, please share what you know.