Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Gabriel Vitale succumbed to gunshot wounds received after he and his partner stopped two suspicious men while investigating a burglary near the intersection of 35th Avenue and 150th Street, in Flushing. Officer Vitale and his partner were on foot patrol near an area where there was a call about a burglary. The officers observed two suspicious men in the area and attempted to question them. When they approached the men, the two fled in different directions. Officer Vitale subdued one at gunpoint. Becoming concerned for his partner, he holstered his weapon to use his radio. At that time the suspect drew a .45 caliber handgun and opened fire, fatally wounding Officer Vitale. The suspects were brothers, both 25. Hours later one fled into his apartment and barricaded himself when five officers attempted to arrest him. He was shot and critically wounded when he threw a grenade at them. His brother, Officer Vitale's killer, was apprehended at a Times Square Hotel 15 days later. On July 27, 1981, both were charged along with two others with the stabbing death of a drug dealer on August 30, 1980. On December 21, 1982 he was convicted of Officer Vitale's murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. His brother was sentenced to 25 years to life for throwing the grenade at the officers. Fortunately it did not explode. On February 22, 1983, both were convicted of the drug dealers murder. Officer Vitale's killer will become eligible for parole in 2042; and his brother in 2032. Officer Vitale had served with the New York City Police Department for 15 years and was assigned to the 109th Precinct. His wife and four children survived him.
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Vitale gave the New York City Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Vitale.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Gabriel P. Vitale is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At New York City Police Department, 365 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 29.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Gabriel P. Vitale's cause is highlighted.
How Gabriel P. Vitale Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Gabriel P. Vitale is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Gabriel P. Vitale was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1,236 officers from New York City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
