Police Officer Sidney L. Thompson

Police Officer Sidney L. Thompson

New York City Transit Police Department, New York

End of Watch Tuesday, June 5, 1973

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Sidney L. Thompson

Police Officer Sidney Thompson was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a fare evader at IRT Station 2 in the Bronx.

While attempting to arrest a suspect, the suspect's companion shot him. Despite being wounded, Officer Thompson was able to return fire and wound the suspect he had originally stopped. He was assigned to Transit District 12. Both suspects were members of the Black Liberation Army and were apprehended several days later.

The gunman was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. He was denied parole eight times. He was paroled June 22, 2018 and died in December 2019.

Officer Thompson had served with the New York City Transit Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.


The Black Liberation Army was a violent, radical group that attempted to fight for independence from the United States government in the late 1960's and early 1970's. The BLA was responsible for the murders of more than 10 police officers around the country. They were also responsible for violent attacks around the country that left many police officers wounded.

Bio

  • Age 36
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge 3801

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Paroled in 2018

arrest attempt

Most Recent Reflection

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My very first night on patrol out of the academy, I was assigned the same N.Y.C. subway station, single patrol. The waiting area on the south bound side still had officer Thompsons blood stains on the concrete floor one year later. I worked out of the same command, Dist.12, rough times in the 70's.

PO. Roy Tschudy
N.Y.C.T.P.D. Dist.12

May 13, 2025

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