New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Sunday, January 9, 1938
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: 10 months
Badge Number: 3888
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 6, 1938
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Never arrested
Patrolman Anthony Tornatore was shot and killed by a murder and a burglary suspect in the Bronx.
On December 7, 1937, Patrolman Edward Lynch was shot and killed in the driveway of his home while investigating a suspicious person he observed in his neighborhood. In response to the murder, a foot post was assigned in the area in an attempt to capture the suspect. In addition to the murder of Patrolman Lynch, the suspect was implicated in several local burglaries.
At approximately 8:15 pm on January 9, 1938, Patrolman Tornatore was on his foot post near Astor Avenue and Young Avenue when he observed a man running towards him with a barking dog chasing him. Patrolman Tornatore drew his weapon, but before he could fire the suspect shot him. The suspect was the same man that had murdered Patrolman Lynch one month earlier.
Patrolman Tornatore died of his wounds three days later.
The suspect was never arrested.
Patrolman Tornatore had served with the New York City Police Department for ten months and was assigned to the 52nd Precinct. His wife and child survived him.