Police Officer William DeRosa
Suffolk County Police Department
New York
End of Watch: Saturday, January 31, 1976

Biographical Info
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: 2147

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Accidental)
Date of Incident: Saturday, January 31, 1976
Weapon Used: Officer's shotgun
Suspect Info: Not available

Police Officer DeRosa was accidentally shot and killed by another officer. Officers were called to a report of an assault in North Amityville. Officer DeRosa was in one of three patrol cars that responded to the call. The first two officers on the scene observed the vehicle containing the suspect, coming down the street and ordered it to halt.

Officer DeRosa's car was behind the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect’s vehicle then lurched forward and one officer jumped backward, discharging his shotgun. The shot missed the suspect’s vehicle but struck Officer DeRosa in the chest, killing him. The suspect was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment first-degree and assault second-degree.

Officer DeRosa had been with the agency for six years and was survived by his wife and two young sons.