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Patrolman Waverly M. Jones | New York City Police Department, New York
New York City Police Department, New York

Patrolman

Waverly M. Jones

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch: Friday, May 21, 1971

Biographical Info

Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 4381

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 21, 1971
Weapon Used: Handgun; .45 caliber
Suspect Info: Convicted of murder

Patrolmen Waverly Jones and Joseph Piagentini were shot and killed while on foot patrol in the Colonial Park Houses public housing complex at 159th Street and Harlem River Drive. They were ambushed by members of the Black Liberation Army.

As the two patrolmen were returning to their cruiser at approximately 10:00 p.m., three suspects snuck up behind them and opened fire. Patrolman Jones was struck in the back of the head and killed instantly. Patrolman Piagentini was shot 13 times and succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.

One of the suspects stole Patrolman Jones' weapon, which was later recovered in San Francisco, California after several BLA members opened fire on a San Francisco police officer.

Two of the suspects, along with five others, were also involved in the murder of Sergeant John Victor Young of the San Francisco Police Department on August 29, 1971.

The three suspects were arrested and sentenced to 25 years to life. One of the suspects died in prison. One remains in prison, and the third was granted parole in March 2018.

Patrolman Jones had served with the New York City Police Department for five years and was assigned to the 32nd Precinct. He was survived by his wife and three children.