Officer Gary Don McCarthy

Officer Gary Don McCarthy

Dallas Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Friday, February 26, 1988

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Gary Don McCarthy

Officer Gary McCarthy was shot and killed during an armed robbery at a grocery store at the intersection of North Hampton Road and Singleton Boulevard

Officer McCarthy was working an off-duty job as a security officer. An armed man entered and began robbing the manager. Officer McCarthy identified himself and was shot in the chest. He was able to return fire but did not strike the shooter. The assailant was apprehended several days later, tried and convicted; he was sentenced to death and executed in December 2001.

Officer McCarthy had served with the Dallas Police Department for one year. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

  • Age 33
  • Tour 1 year, 2 months
  • Badge 5508

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Executed in 2001

off duty, secondary employment

Most Recent Reflection

View all 36 Reflections

He was a missionary before he changed careers to become a police officer. He was very happy with being an officer and going on patrols and helping people. He always had a heart of service. He also had a third degree black belt and loved wrestling. He probably showed some of you a few of his scars from laying on a bed of nails or breaking bricks with his head. He lover being around you guys. I know most of you are retired now and he would have loved to be with you sharing stories. Instead he is laughing with the other heroes in heaven and he wouldn't have changed a thing if he could. God bless you all.

Joseph McCarthy
Son

September 12, 2025

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