Officer Donald Joseph Brereton, Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

Officer Donald Joseph Brereton

Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

End of Watch Thursday, January 7, 1960

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Donald Joseph Brereton

Officer Donald Brereton was shot and killed while chasing a man who had just robbed a liquor store at 501 Florida Avenue, NW.

He and his partner were staking out a liquor store when it was robbed by two men. Officer Brereton chased one of the men into an alley, where he was ambushed and shot several times. The subject then stole his service weapon before fleeing.

Officer Brereton's partner was also shot and wounded.

The subject who shot Officer Brereton was arrested, convicted of murder, and sentenced to death.

Officer Brereton was a United States Army veteran of World War II and had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife and 1-year-old daughter.

He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 7 years
Badge 1609
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to death

ambush, foot pursuit

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Brereton,
On today the 65th anniversary of your desth I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served as a U.S. Army Paratrooper. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Airborne All The Way!

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 7, 2025