Police Officer Robert W. Dooley, Detroit Police Department, Michigan

Police Officer Robert W. Dooley

Detroit Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Saturday, September 15, 2012

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Robert W. Dooley

Police Officer Robert Dooley succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained on December 27th, 1972, while he and Officer Robert Bradford were on a stakeout at 9250 Carlin searching for three subjects who were wanted in connection with several robberies and shootings of police officers.

The officers observed the three men exit a home and confronted them. When they did so, shots were exchanged, Officer Bradford was killed, and Officer Dooley was critically wounded.

The subjects fled the scene. Two of them were later shot and killed in two separate shootouts with police officers in Atlanta, Georgia.

Officer Dooley was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and had served with the Detroit Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 68
Tour 4 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Wednesday, December 27, 1972
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Shot and killed

stakeout

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Most Recent Reflection

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As an SPO at the Detroit Police Academy, I am honored to have Police Officer Robert W. Dooley as my silent partner. He was a true American hero, he sacrificed everyday for this country and community and we will always be grateful for his service. He will always be remembered for his bravery and selflessness and we are honored to be apart of the same department as him.

SPO Lundh, 25-H
Detroit Police Academy

March 31, 2025