Tampa Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Friday, December 30, 1988
Add to My HeroesPorfirio Soto, Jr.
Officer Porfirio Soto was shot and killed as he and another officer served an arrest warrant at 3710 E. Idlewild Avenue.
The subject was wanted in a neighboring jurisdiction for armed robbery, aggravated battery, and carrying a concealed firearm. A struggle ensued inside of the suspect's home in which Officer Soto was shot in an area not protected by his vest.
The man fled the home after shooting Officer Sorto but was arrested a short time later. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He hanged himself in prison on April 13th, 1997.
Officer Soto was a U.S. Air Force veteran and had served with the Tampa Police Department for 18 months. He was is survived by his wife and 10-month-old son.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 1 year, 6 months
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Committed suicide in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 29 ReflectionsI had just completed the police academy when this tragedy took place that night in that house. Your zone partner who was there backing you up returned fire as the coward fled through the front door! She stood up for you throughout the trial but soon left the job and eventually took her life along with her twin sister who was also a TPD Officer at the time of the incident. A tragic loss for everyone involved from the beginning to the end...
Former Deputy Sheriff
PCSO
March 20, 2021
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