events: blindsiding Renko with a sap during a brawl behind a bar, being severely beaten by Hill in revenge, and committing suicide in a bank's safe-deposit area when his corruption is discovered (after one of his schemes nearly gets Washington killed). Officer Mike Perez (Tony Pérez, 1981-1985) A street cop who is generally well-liked by the other members of the precinct. He speaks both English and Spanish fluently. In the episode "Doris in Wonderland" (S4E5), he shoots a child whom he mistakes to be a prowler. His recovery from the tragedy is slow and painful. In "Of Human Garbage" (S5E13), Perez rescues several children from an apartment fire and is quickly recognized for it by Chief Daniels. It is later revealed - after Perez's informant and his wife come forward - that Perez paid his informant to set the fire. In the aftermath of this revelation, Captain Furillo had Perez admitted to a psychiatric hospital for observation, while Chief Daniels denounced officer Perez to the media and placed him on indefinite suspension. Officer Kate McBride (Lindsay Crouse, 1986-1987) Introduced after the death of Coffey and partners for three episodes with Lucy Bates. Her father was a police officer who was killed in the line of duty when she was a child. She eventually comes out of the closet as a lesbian, though she fears rejection from her fellow officers. Not seen again until the next season, when she is awarded a medal of valor after a violent shootout with a criminal. Buntz becomes something of a mentor to her, notes her guilt surrounding the circumstances behind her award and offers wisdom and emotional support . Natalie DeRoy (Ellen Blake, 1984–87) A "khaki officer" brought in to assist Leo Schnitz in Season 4. She is efficient and has a wry sense of humor. Natalie develops strong feelings for Leo, which are sometimes manifested as half-serious jabs at his character or appearance. Despite her interest in him, Leo long maintains feelings for his estranged wife. Eventually, however, Natalie and Leo elope to New Zealand. Fabian DeWitt (Zero Hubbard) The adopted child of Lucille Bates, whom she first encountered during a shoplifting incident. Despite his harsh upbringing, Fabian quickly turns into a happy and well-behaved child and, later, teenager. Like Lucy, he is very close to Joe Coffey. Vivian DeWitt (Beverly Hope Atkinson) Fabian’s birth mother. A hooker and a junkie who abandons