On August 5th, 1954 at approximately 12:30am Lake Placid Police Officers Dominick Valenze, Bernard Fell, Richard Pelkey and John Fagan responded to a suspicious activity call at Dr. Perkins camp on West Valley Rd. There had been several burglaries in the past week including a $100,000.00 jewel theft at the renowned Lake Placid Club. The officers entered the camp and confronted James Call in the basement where Call was hiding in a shower stall.  Call displayed a gun and a gun battle ensued.   

During the fire fight 14 bullets were fired, 7 by James Call and 5 of which hit their targets injuring all 3 officers and fatally wounding Richard Pelkey who died several days later. A statewide manhunt ensued for James Call.  Lake Placid Police, New York State Police and countless civilians joined the manhunt, manning roadblocks and scouring the 6 million acre Adirondack Park.  

Call stayed on the lam for over three months until November 16th, 1954 when a Reno Daily Newspaper reported that James Call was apprehended by the Reno Police Dept.  Call had been apprehended while attempting to sell a $500 watch at a local pawnshop, reportedly stolen during one of Reno's recent estate burglaries. New York State Police had identified James Call through his fingerprints found at the scene of the Perkins Camp.

James Call was convicted for the murder of Officer Richard Pelkey and was sentenced to 20 yrs to life. James call served 13 years 9 months and 12 days and was released on parole.  Call later died in a car accident in 1974. Officer Richard Pelkey is listed on the New York State Police Officers Memorial Wall, which is for officers slain in the line of duty. Click here to visit Police Memorial website.