New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Monday, July 28, 1930
Age: 42
Tour of Duty: 21 years
Badge Number: 9216
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 26, 1930
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Two arrested
Patrolman Dominick Caviglia died of a gunshot wound he received two days earlier while investigating a robbery.
Patrolman Caviglia was on his post in Manhattan when a woman approached him and told him there was a hold-up in progress at an apartment at 228 West 63rd Street. When Patrolman Caviglia arrived at the location, he observed several men around a table in a heated argument. Patrolman Caviglia ordered all the men to put up their hands. The group quickly fled, but two of the men drew pistols and opened fire. Patrolman Caviglia was struck in the abdomen. He was able to return fire before he fell.
Patrolman Caviglia was taken to the hospital, where he died from his wounds two days later.
The two suspects were arrested later in the week by Patrolman Guido J. Pessagano, who earned a promotion to Detective for the arrest. Detective Pessagano was shot and killed on October 22, 1931, when he attempted to arrest a man for the murder of another patrolman.
Patrolman Caviglia had served with the New York City Police Department for 21 years and was assigned to the 20th Precinct. He was survived by his wife.