End of Watch: 04/16/1980
Agency: Hoquiam Police Department
County: Grays Harbor County
On Wednesday, April 16, 1980, Hoquiam Patrolman Donald Burke was shot and killed after a pursuit of a vehicle he had observed speeding in a residential neighborhood.
After a ten-block pursuit, the suspect suddenly stopped near Myrtle Street. The passenger in the vehicle ran back to the patrol car and stuck a gun in the open window. Patrolman Burke was still in the car and a struggle ensued. The suspect stepped away from the vehicle and fired four times.
Patrolman Burke was able to call for help on the radio after he was shot. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
The suspects later became engaged in a shootout with the Aberdeen Police Department where the man that killed Patrolman Burke was killed. The other suspect was arrested, convicted and later died in prison.
Patrolman Donald Burke is survived by his wife and four daughters.