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| Patrolman Waverly M. Jones New York City Police Department New York End of Watch: Friday, May 21, 1971 Biographical Info Age: 33 Tour of Duty: 5 years Badge Number: Not available Incident Details Cause of Death: Gunfire Date of Incident: Friday, May 21, 1971 Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type Suspect Info: Denied parole in 2004 Patrolmen Jones and Joseph Piagentini were shot and killed in the 32nd Precinct when they were ambushed by members of the Black Liberation Army.
As the two patrolmen were returning to their cruiser at approximately 2200 hours, three suspects snuck up behind them and opened fire. Patrolman Jones was struck in the back of the head and killed instantly. Patrolman Piagentini was shot 13 times and succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.
One of the suspects stole Patrolman Jones' weapon which was later recovered in San Francisco, California, after several BLA members opened fire on a San Francisco police officer.
The three suspects were arrested and sentenced to 25 years to life. One of the suspects died in prison. The others were denied parole in 2002 and 2004.
Patrolman Jones had been employed with the New York City Police Department for five years, and is survived by his wife and three children.
The Black Liberation Army was a violent, radical group that attempted to fight for independence from the United States government in the late 1960's and early 1970's. The BLA was responsible for the murders of more than 10 police officers around the country. They were also responsible for violent attacks around the country that left many police officers wounded. Related Line of Duty Deaths |  |