Detective Gerald A. Rauft, Tampa Police Department, Florida

Detective Gerald A. Rauft

Tampa Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Friday, July 24, 1981

Gerald A. Rauft

Detective Rauft was shot and killed during an undercover operation to purchase 100 pounds of marijuana. During the deal, a shootout erupted and Detective Rauft was fatally wounded.

Four suspects were apprehended. One suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison on May 5, 2012, after being sentenced to death several years earlier.

Detective Rauft had been with the agency for eight years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

Age 38
Tour 8 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life

narcotics, undercover

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Most Recent Reflection

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Just before the Tragic Murder of Detective Rauft he was helping teach a class at the Tampa Police Academy. He was in good spirits and thoroughly engaged in helping other Officers learn how to defend themselves. I suspect many stayed safe from lessons he taught. That was a long time ago, but I have not forgotten.

Ex-Officer Mitchell Henderson
Tampa Police Department

March 30, 2017