Patrolman Anthony J. Graffia

Patrolman Anthony J. Graffia

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Monday, February 19, 1968

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Anthony J. Graffia

Patrolman Anthony Graffia was shot and killed while attempting to stop a robbery in progress.

Patrolman Graffia was eating lunch in the rear of a pharmacy when two men entered brandishing revolvers and demanded money. The store owner alerted Patrolman Graffia to the robbery, and when he came out of the backroom, the suspects opened fire, striking him. Although mortally wounded, Patrolman Graffia was able to return fire and hit his killer in his left bicep.

On March 10, 1968, New York Police arrested a 16-year-old youth who crashed into a utility pole after they chased him 20 blocks in a stolen car on Atlantic Ave. Information about Patrolman Graffia's murder led to the youth admitting he was involved. His accomplice, 21, was arrested at his home the next day. He showed police the bullet wound on his arm and admitted he shot Patrolman Graffia. On April 29, 1968, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life. He was paroled on August 28, 1990.

Patrolman Graffia had served with the New York City Police Department for seven years and was assigned to the 106th Precinct. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

  • Age 31
  • Tour 7 years
  • Badge 7452

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .25 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to life

robbery

Most Recent Reflection

View all 34 Reflections

My father often tells the story of Tony Graffia. Always speaks so highly of him. And always gets choked up. They worked together. In fact, Tony was covering my fathers beat that evening because of some precinct training my father had. My dad would be assigned a patrol car when he returned and was one of the first on the scene at the pharmacy.
My father is 90 yrs old and prays for Tony and his family every day.
RIP Anthony Graffia

Det Michael Brech
NYPD

April 1, 2024

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