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Police Officer Phillip W. Cardillo | New York City Police Department, New York
New York City Police Department, New York

Police Officer

Phillip W. Cardillo

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch: Thursday, April 20, 1972

Biographical Info

Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 26620

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 14, 1972
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Not available

Officer Philip Cardillo died of wounds he received when he was shot after responding to a fake report of an officer needs assistance at a local mosque.

When Officer Cardillo arrived at the location, he and another officer entered to investigate. They found that the call was false and was called in by the members of the mosque. The officers were then attacked by at least 15 people inside the mosque. When additional officers arrived, a melee ensued, in which Officer Cardillo was shot at point-blank range, and several officers were seriously injured.

Officer Cardillo was brought to Saint Luke's Hospital where he underwent several surgeries, but he died from his wound six days later. Only one person was ever charged in connection with Officer Cardillo's murder. The subject was acquitted after the jury was not able to reach a verdict.

Officer Cardillo had served with the New York City Police Department for five years and was assigned to the 28th Precinct. He is survived by his wife and son.

In October 2015, the street in front of the new NYPD Police Academy in Queens was renamed Philip Cardillo Way.