Officer Robert L. Gallowitch was shot and fatally wounded while responding to a robbery call at a jewelry store. Upon arrival, Officer Gallowitch discovered three gunmen disguised as telephone repairmen. The offenders kidnapped a telephone truck driver and were using the stolen truck when robbing a jewelry store.

As Officer Gallowitch confronted the three offenders in the alley, the gunmen began shooting. Officer Gallowitch sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the encounter.

Officer Gallowitch was survived by his wife and two children.