Sergeant Paul J. Tuozzolo

Sergeant Paul J. Tuozzolo

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Friday, November 4, 2016

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Paul J. Tuozzolo

Sergeant Paul Tuozzolo was shot and killed after he and another officer located a suspect who had just held his estranged wife and her family hostage for several hours.

At approximately 2:45 pm, the man broke into his estranged wife's home in the Bronx. The man told his estranged wife that he was planning to engage in a shootout with the police during the ordeal. He eventually fled in a vehicle after the victim was able to call 911. Sergeant Tuozzolo and other officers were canvassing the area for the vehicle when they located it at Bronx River Avenue and Noble Avenue.

Officers boxed the vehicle in. As Sergeant Tuzzolo and another sergeant exited their patrol cars, the subject opened fire with a .45 caliber handgun. Sergeant Tuozzolo was struck in the head and killed, and a second sergeant was struck in the leg. Before being hit in the head, Sergeant Tuzollo yelled "gun," which the other officer credited to saving his life. Other officers at the scene returned fire, killing the suspect. The suspect had a lengthy criminal history and had been deported twice.

Sergeant Tuozzolo had served with the New York City Police Department for 19 years and was assigned to the 43rd Precinct. He is survived by his wife and two young sons.

Sergeant Tuozzolo was posthumously promoted to Sergeant Special Assignment. On June 16, 2017, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The Sergeant Paul Tuozzola Memorial Park was memorialized on September 18, 2017, in Bayville.

Bio

  • Age 41
  • Tour 19 years
  • Badge 870

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Shot and killed

domestic, suicide by cop

Most Recent Reflection

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Rest in peace, brother. You have been gone now for five years and, it seems like yesterday was that tragic day. Continue to watch over your loving family and active MOS during these most difficult times. The city must turn over from their present situation of bail reform and, allow the department their unobstructed mission to make our city safe again.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

November 4, 2021

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