On Monday, July 4, 1977, City of Newburgh Police Officer Robert J. Betanzos, 29, was directing traffic at the Newburgh waterfront.
Officer Betanzos was assisting motorists in leaving the area, when a vehicle driven by John A. Vealey sped up and cut through the intersection of Renwick and Water Street, striking Betanzos and throwing him to the side of the road. Vealey then continued at high speed, striking two cars and injuring ten other people as he fled the scene.
The Officer, in serious condition, was transported first to St. Luke’s Hospital in Newburgh, and later to St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, where he died of his injuries on July 12.
Officer Betanzos was a well-liked East End Youth Officer, and was the second City of Newburgh Police Officer to die in the Line of Duty. He left behind a wife, Patricia, a son, Robert Jr, a 4-year old daughter, Christine Lynne.
Vealey was charged with Second Degree manslaughter.