New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Monday, February 19, 1968
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: 7452
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 19, 1968
Weapon Used: Handgun; .25 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Patrolman Anthony Graffia was shot and killed while attempting to stop a robbery in progress.
Patrolman Graffia was eating lunch in the rear of a pharmacy when two men entered brandishing revolvers and demanded money. The store owner alerted Patrolman Graffia to the robbery, and when he came out of the backroom, the suspects opened fire, striking him. Although mortally wounded, Patrolman Graffia was able to return fire and hit his killer in his left bicep.
On March 10, 1968, New York Police arrested a 16-year-old youth who crashed into a utility pole after they chased him 20 blocks in a stolen car on Atlantic Ave. Information about Patrolman Graffia's murder led to the youth admitting he was involved. His accomplice, 21, was arrested at his home the next day. He showed police the bullet wound on his arm and admitted he shot Patrolman Graffia. On April 29, 1968, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life. He was paroled on August 28, 1990.
Patrolman Graffia had served with the New York City Police Department for seven years and was assigned to the 106th Precinct. He was survived by his wife and three children.