Officer Gail A. Cobb, Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

Officer Gail A. Cobb

Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

End of Watch Friday, September 20, 1974

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Gail A. Cobb

Officer Gail Cobb was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a bank robbery suspect at 20th Street and L Street, NW.

While walking her beat, she was tipped off that a suspected bank robber had just fled into a nearby underground parking garage. Officer Cobb located the man and instructed him to place his hands on the wall. As she radioed for assistance, the suspect spun around and fired a single shot at point-blank range. The bullet went through her wrist and her police radio and then penetrated her heart. She died at the scene.

The suspect was arrested at the scene by responding officers.

Officer Cobb had served with the Metropolitan Police Department for one year and was the first female Metropolitan Police Department officer to be killed in the line of duty. She is survived by her child.

She is buried in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Suitland, Prince George's County, Maryland.

Bio

Age 24
Tour 1 year
Badge 321

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Apprehended

arrest attempt, robbery

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Most Recent Reflection

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The memory of Fallen Officer Gail A. Cobb should be forever honored, 50 years after having been murdered in our nation;s Capitol by a criminal whom I hope is still rotting in prison. As a fellow Police Officer who was also once a 23 year old Academy Recruit, I salute you for your selfless service and heroism. May the grace of Almighty God always be with your family.

David L.Milligan
Chicago Police Department (ret.)

September 20, 2024