On a summer day in Cheektowaga, New York, 27-year-old Robert A. Burgess, a male Patrol Officer with the Cheektowaga Police Department, was responding to a call at Sattler's Drugs Store on William Street on Friday, July 1, 1977. While attempting to arrest a man for disorderly conduct, a struggle ensued. The suspect managed to gain control of another officer's revolver and fired six shots.
One of the bullets struck Officer Burgess in the chest.
The single gunshot wound proved to be fatal for Officer Burgess. His end of watch came on that July day, a tragic outcome of what began as a routine call. The man who fired the weapon was subsequently apprehended and faced the justice system for his actions.
Following the investigation and legal proceedings, the suspect was convicted of manslaughter and attempted murder. He was sentenced to serve 8 to 30 years in prison for the killing of Officer Robert A. Burgess. After serving a portion of his sentence, the individual was granted parole and released on September 19, 1989.
