New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Wednesday, December 24, 1980
Age: 42
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: 17139
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 15, 1980
Weapon Used: Handgun; .45 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Police Officer Gabriel Vitale succumbed to gunshot wounds received after he and his partner stopped two suspicious men while investigating a burglary near the intersection of 35th Avenue and 150th Street, in Flushing.
Officer Vitale and his partner were on foot patrol near an area where there was a call about a burglary. The officers observed two suspicious men in the area and attempted to question them. When they approached the men, the two fled in different directions. Officer Vitale subdued one at gunpoint. Becoming concerned for his partner, he holstered his weapon to use his radio. At that time the suspect drew a .45 caliber handgun and opened fire, fatally wounding Officer Vitale.
The suspects were brothers, both 25. Hours later one fled into his apartment and barricaded himself when five officers attempted to arrest him. He was shot and critically wounded when he threw a grenade at them. His brother, Officer Vitale's killer, was apprehended at a Times Square Hotel 15 days later. On July 27, 1981, both were charged along with two others with the stabbing death of a drug dealer on August 30, 1980. On December 21, 1982 he was convicted of Officer Vitale's murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. His brother was sentenced to 25 years to life for throwing the grenade at the officers. Fortunately it did not explode. On February 22, 1983, both were convicted of the drug dealers murder. Officer Vitale's killer will become eligible for parole in 2042; and his brother in 2032.
Officer Vitale had served with the New York City Police Department for 15 years and was assigned to the 109th Precinct. His wife and four children survived him.