Detective George Zicarelli
Cleveland Police Department
Ohio
End of Watch: Monday, September 17, 1979

Biographical Info
Age: 52
Tour of Duty: 33 years
Badge Number: 1741

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, September 17, 1979
Incident Location: New York
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Apprehended

Detective Zicarelli was shot and killed in New York City, New York, while on an extradition assignment. Detective Zicarelli and two other officers from the Cleveland Police Department were exiting their vehicle in the parking lot of a hotel near La Guardia Airport, in Queens. Three suspects approached the officers and attempted to rob them. Detective Zicarelli and the other officers identified themselves as police officers, when one suspect opened fire, killed Detective Zicarelli. The suspects then stole the officers vehicle and fled. One of the officers with Detective Zicarelli drew his weapon, but was not able to obtain a clear line of fire.

Two suspects were captured the next day by detectives from the New York City Police Department, the third suspect turned himself in to a local television station.

Detective Zicarelli had served with the agency for 33 years and was scheduled to retire in six months. He was survived by his five children and three grandchildren. Detective Zicarelli's father and two uncles also served with the Cleveland Police Department.