Officer Robert Alexander

Officer Robert Alexander
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On this day in Baltimore City Police History 1986, we lost our brother Police Officer Robert Alexander based on the following. During the early morning hours of September 20, 1986, a citizen was traveling home from work; when he stopped for a red light at Frederick and Boswell Avenues, his 1978 Dodge was rear-ended by a pick-up truck. They flagged down a motorist who offered help, and went to call police to the scene. Officer Robert Alexander of the Southwest District received that call, and responded to help. On arrival he activated his overhead lights to provide a margin of safety for other motorist. These lights would hopefully alert others to the accident at that location. Officer Alexander got out of his car, and began to interview the drivers of both vehicles. Suddenly, a 1985 Nissan pickup truck came around the curve, speeding and out of control he was headed right toward the group. Officer Alexander concerned for the safety of everyone, pushed the citizens into a wooded area, and out of the path of the oncoming truck. His actions were credited with having saved their lives, by sacrificing his own. The truck crossed over the center-line, hitting Officer Alexander's police car and then striking him. The truck overturned and struck the other vehicles involved in the original accident. The two drivers rushed to the aid of Officer Alexander, who just moments before had saved their lives. Another citizen traveling down Frederick Avenue saw the accident scene and ran to the patrol car to use the fallen officers radio to summon help. An off-duty officer, John W. Parrott, was driving by witnessed the accident, stopped and used Officer Alexander’s radio to better notify the dispatcher of the events that had just taken place. Paramedics were already in route to care for the citizens involved in the initial accident, and were there within seconds. Officer Alexander’s injuries were so severe that he died at the scene. The suspect/driver of the truck was arrested on scene and charged with DWI, and vehicular manslaughter as well as a host of other charges. Officer Alexander was 22 years old, served as a Cadet, graduated in class 85-3, and had 9 months on the street.

Posthumous award is given to mother of heroic police officer

Deborah I Greene - The Sun (1837-1989); Apr 13, 1987; pg. 12D

Posthumous award is given to mother of heroic police officer

By Deborah I. Greene

Barbara Harris had just a few, quiet words to say as she accepted a posthumous award for her son, Baltimore policeman Robert Alexander, who was struck and killed by a pickup truck In September after pushing two men to safety. "Nothing has to be said. His action speaks for itself," she whispered to those nearest her Saturday evening, then clutched the plaque, the highest honor bestowed by the Vanguard Justice Society, a fraternity of black city police officers. The award was presented to Ms. Hanis by the widow of Detective Marcellus Ward Jr,, for whom it Is named. Detective Ward was shot to death In 1984 during an undercover narcotics operation, "We try to [honor] a police officer who has done outstanding work and put his life In jeopardy to save others. That's what Robert Alexander did he made the supreme sacrifice," said Officer Rick Palmer, who helped coordinate the group's annual awards banquet. And "outstanding" was how the crowd of about 100 officers. their families and friends, remembered Officer Alexander during the society's gathering at the Palladium. "He was outstanding. his whole heart went Into being a policeman," said Lt. Alvin A. Winkler, who taught Officer Alexander during his training at the police academy. Those close to 22-year-old Officer Alexander remembered him saying, often, that he would risk his life to help others without a second thought. In September, he did. While lntervlewlng the drivers of two cars Involved In a minor accident In the Irvington area, he saw a pickup truck speeding toward them.

He pushed the other men to the side of the road, to safety, but the young officer - father of a 2-year-old daughter, a policeman just three months - was unable to save himself. The driver of the pickup truck, Carl E. Carpenter. 27, was sentenced to five years In prison on charges stemming from the Incident.

As his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department we will not let him be forgotten, His service Honored the City of Baltimore, and the Baltimore Police Department may he rest in peace, and may God bless him.