In the late afternoon of April 16, 1980, Donald Martin Burke, a 37-year-old White male, was on duty as a Patrolman for the Hoquiam Police Department in Washington. The day took a tragic turn when he spotted a speeding vehicle in an industrial area near the border of Hoquiam and Aberdeen. What began as a seemingly routine traffic stop would quickly escalate into a fatal confrontation. Unbeknownst to Burke, the occupants of the station wagon were career criminals, Robert DeAngelis and Rodney Hagedorn, who were fleeing after a series of violent crimes, including a recent bank robbery and kidnapping.
As Patrolman Burke pursued the vehicle, the suspects' car ran off the road at the intersection of Myrtle and Industrial streets. At this point, Rodney Hagedorn exited the passenger side of the car and aggressively approached Burke's patrol vehicle. Hagedorn then thrust a gun into the open window of the patrol car, initiating a struggle with the officer. Hagedorn managed to discharge his weapon, mortally wounding Burke. Despite his severe injuries, Patrolman Burke was able to return fire at the fleeing suspects and radio for assistance before he collapsed. He was rushed to a local hospital but ultimately succumbed to his wounds.
A massive manhunt for the two suspects ensued. Officers from the Aberdeen Police Department soon located the suspects' vehicle, leading to another pursuit that ended in a shootout in the Bear Gulch area. In the exchange of gunfire, Rodney Hagedorn, the man who had shot Burke, was killed at the scene. The driver, Robert DeAngelis, was apprehended. DeAngelis was later convicted for his role in the events of that day and received two life sentences. He would ultimately die of cancer while incarcerated in the Walla Walla Penitentiary.
