Prolific television producer David Gerber dies

(AP) — David Gerber, who won Emmy, Golden Globe and Peabody awards for his television shows, has died of heart failure at the University of Southern California Medical Center. He was 86.

The announcement was made Tuesday by his publicist, Jeff Sanderson.

Gerber won Emmys for the popular TV series "Police Story" and "Police Woman," as well as produced many award-winning television movies.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Gerber served as a radio gunner in World War II. His B-17 was shot down over Germany and he became a prisoner of war.

Gerber's hobby was his 100-acre vineyard in Northern Califorinia, where he produced his brand of Laraine wines, a tribute to his wife and sole survivor, actress Laraine Stephens.