New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch Saturday, February 20, 1971
Add to My HeroesErle M. Thompson
Detective Erle Thompson was shot and killed while intervening in a domestic dispute in Queens while off duty. His sister had called him while she was involved in an argument with her husband.
When Detective Thompson arrived at the apartment, he was shot in the chest by his brother-in-law.
Detective Thompson had served with the NYPD for ten years and was assigned to the 114th Precinct. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour 10 years
- Badge 1316
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 18 ReflectionsReally miss you, "Duke."
Wista Jeanne Johnson
First cousin
July 30, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Tim Jordan
Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: January 21, 2026
Agent Aníbal Morales Aponte
Puerto Rico Police Department, PR
EOW: January 13, 2026
Zone Sergeant Steven W. Greene
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 24, 2025
Sergeant Frederick W. Scheidt, Jr.
New York State Police, NY
EOW: August 13, 2025
Trooper Mark A. Ondus
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 19, 2025
Police Officer Elijah Garretson
Copperas Cove Police Department, TX
EOW: January 11, 2026
Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr.
Fairfax County Police Department, VA
EOW: October 16, 2025
Police Officer Terry L. Bennett
Metropolitan Police Department, DC
EOW: January 7, 2026
Police Officer Stephen LaPorta
Uxbridge Police Department, MA
EOW: January 7, 2026




