Bio & Incident Details
Age: 42
Tour: 17 years
Badge # 267
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 5/19/1924
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect: Shot and killed
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Detective Grottano died of wounds he received when he was shot as he attempted to capture an armed robbery suspect.
At approximately 2230 hours on May 19, 1924 a patrolman on his beat observed that there was no store clerk behind the counter of "The United Cigar Store" on Fulton Street, Brooklyn. When the patrolman stopped to investigate, a man standing in front of the store drew a handgun and pointed at the patrolman. The patrolman lunged at the suspect, who fled on foot. During the chase, the suspect ran by Detective Grottano, who was standing at the corner of Fulton Street and Hanover Place. Detective Grottano attempted to apprehend the suspect, but was unable to grab him. Detective Grottano joined the patrolman in the foot chase. During the chase, the suspect opened fire. Detective Grottano and the patrolman returned fire. During the exchange, Detective Grottano was struck in the chest and fell to the ground, mortally wounded. As the chase continued, the suspect was also shot and killed.
Detective Grottano was taken to Brooklyn Hospital where he died seven days later from his wounds.
A second suspect, who was inside the cigar store robbing it was apprehended several months later and charged with murder.
Detective Grottano had served with the New York City Police Department for 17 years and was survived by his wife and two children.
