Police Officer Porfirio Soto, Jr.

Police Officer Porfirio Soto, Jr. | Tampa Police Department, Florida
Tampa Police Department, Florida
Police Officer Porfirio Soto, Jr.

Tampa Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Friday, December 30, 1988

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Porfirio Soto, Jr.

Officer Porfirio Soto was shot and killed as he and another officer served an arrest warrant at 3710 E. Idlewild Avenue.

The subject was wanted in a neighboring jurisdiction for armed robbery, aggravated battery, and carrying a concealed firearm. A struggle ensued inside of the suspect's home in which Officer Soto was shot in an area not protected by his vest.

The man fled the home after shooting Officer Sorto but was arrested a short time later. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He hanged himself in prison on April 13th, 1997.

Officer Soto was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Tampa Police Department for 18 months. He is survived by his wife and 10-month-old son.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 1 year, 6 months
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Committed suicide in prison

robbery, warrant service, weapons violation

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I proudly served beside one of the most influential, respected and generous individuals I had the pleasure to meet. As a United States Marine (not US Air Force) the time spent together will never be forgotten, I often look at pictures of that great experience with him.
Sadly enough today I learned of another brother lost in the line of duty, equally liked and loved by everyone around him. Deputy Sheriff Ned Byrd was gunned down by another coward.

Sgt Jose Velez, USMC
WCSO Corrections Officer (Prior) SJSO CCO (current)

August 12, 2022

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