STATEMENT OF OFFICER JOHN Similar, Shield 35674262, driver of car George Nineteen. Document NYPD-#146-332S.
“I was stationed with my partner, Officer Percy H. Illingham, 45768392, in car George Nineteen closing the exit at East Seventy-third Street and East End Avenue. We had been ordered to place our car across Seventy-third Street to prevent exit from or entrance to the street. We had been informed of the action that was taking place.
“At approximately thirty minutes after four A.M. on the morning of 1 September, 1968, a male (white, about six feet, 180 pounds, black jacket and pants) approached us, walking on the sidewalk, the south sidewalk of East Seventy-third Street. Percy said, I better check him out. He opened the door on his side of the car. As he emerged onto the street, the man drew a weapon from his pocket and fired directly at Officer Illingham. Officer Illingham dropped to the pavement. Later investigation proved that he had been killed.
“I thereupon got out of the car on my side and fired three times at the suspect with my service revolver (Serial Number 17189653) as he fired one shot at me which hit me in the thigh and caused me to fall to the pavement. He then began to run, and while I was trying to line up another shot at him, he disappeared around the corner of Seventy-third Street and East End Avenue.
“I did what I could.”