Jersey City Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch: Wednesday, September 12, 1973
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: 420
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 12, 1973
Weapon Used: Handgun; .32 caliber
Suspect Info: Paroled
Police Officer Casper Buonocore was shot and killed after responding to a report of a double parked car near the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Armstrong Avenue.
When he and another officer arrived at the scene they discovered that the owner of the double parked car was wanted on a warrant. As they attempted to arrest the man, his 13-year-old daughter attacked them, drawing the incident to the attention of a large crowd.
After they took the man into custody three men opened fire with a .32-caliber handgun from the roof of a nearby building, striking Officer Buonocore in the neck. Officer Buonocore was taken from the scene to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.
Other officers at the scene ran into the building and apprehended three suspects. Two of the three suspects were convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Both were later paroled and have repeatedly been in and out of jail for parole violations, including weapons violations, and other crimes.
Officer Buonocore had served with the Jersey City Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and three daughters.