New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Tuesday, January 25, 1994
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: 29020
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: January 25, 1994
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Charged with murder
Police Officer Nicholas DeMutiis was struck and killed by an automobile while attempting to block a subject fleeing from police.
Officer DeMutiis was off-duty and on his way to work when he observed officers pursuing a stolen vehicle on Liberty Avenue in Queens. Officer DeMutiis positioned his car to block the path of the suspect, but the suspect rammed Officer DeMuttiis's car at 70 mph. He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital where he died two hours later.
The subject was arrested and charged with murder, driving while intoxicated, grand larceny of an auto, and possession of a controlled substance.
Officer DeMutiis had served with the New York City Police Department for 11 years and was assigned to the 106th precinct. He was survived by his wife and 3-year-old son.
In 1995, Officer DeMutiis was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department's Purple Shield Medal.