On a tragic evening in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York City Police Department Lieutenant Federico Narvaez, a 40-year-old male, was fatally shot in the line of duty. The events unfolded on Friday, October 18, 1996, when Lieutenant Narvaez and his partner were on patrol and were flagged down by a woman in distress. She informed the officers that she was being stalked by her mother's ex-boyfriend.
As Lieutenant Narvaez began to exit his patrol vehicle to address the situation,
the suspect, without warning, drew a handgun and fired, striking the lieutenant in the face. The gunman, identified as 61-year-old Harvey Richardson, a man with a history of criminal activity, immediately fled the scene on foot. Lieutenant Narvaez's partner pursued Richardson, engaging in an exchange of gunfire.
The pursuit ended at a nearby apartment building where Richardson attempted to take refuge but found himself unable to gain entry. Cornered by responding officers, another exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in Richardson being fatally shot. In the immediate aftermath, Lieutenant Narvaez was rushed to Kings County Hospital, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.
Lieutenant Federico Narvaez was a decorated officer who had dedicated 17 years of his life to the New York City Police Department. As the sole suspect in his murder was killed at the scene, there were no subsequent arrests or a trial. The legacy of his service and sacrifice, however, continues through his daughter, Katrina, who was inspired by her father's dedication and later joined the ranks of the NYPD.
