Police Officer Ted W. Donald

Police Officer Ted W. Donald

New York City Housing Authority Police Department, New York

End of Watch Friday, June 15, 1979

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Ted W. Donald

Police Officer Ted Donald was shot and killed after responding to a burglary-in-progress call.

When Officer Donald and his partner arrived at the Butler Housing Projects in the Bronx, they found the door to an apartment with the lock drilled out. The officers entered the apartment, and as they walked down the hall, Patrolman Donald was shot in the head and chest. Patrolman Donald's partner returned fire, and the suspect surrendered.

The suspect, 32, was arrested and charged with murder. He said he had permission to be in the apartment and mistook Officer Donald for the burglar. On August 2, 1980, he was convicted of criminally negligent homicide. The maximum penalty is four years.

Patrolman Donald had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for 9 years and was assigned to Service Area 7. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour 9 years
  • Badge 3310

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
  • Offender Convicted of negligent homicide

building search, burglary

Most Recent Reflection

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The murder of Police Officer Ted Donald in 1979 was a personal and tragic event that shall never be forgotten. My husband Teddy Williams and Ted Donald worked together as police officers in the New York City Housing Police Department before all police departments of New York City merged into one.. Those were the days when Police Officers had partners. The two Ted's worked together most of the time.. We were all so very young. We were happy and lived our lives. His death was devastating and remains a clear memory in my life because it stayed with Teddy Williams throughout his life. I was 27 years old and attended his funeral with a sea of all NYPolice Officers- City, Housing, and Transit, and so many other Police Officers came from far and near. Whenever an officer is killed in the line of duty, Ted comes to my mind, and I mourn that day all over again. I prayed for his family then and still think of them and pray they are all ok.

Wife of Theodore R Williams #3277
Patricia J Anderson-wife of Ted Donalds partner

September 23, 2025

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