Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Otto Roberto was shot and killed at the intersection of Avon Avenue and 20th Street while attempting to arrest two armed suspects who had just robbed a diner. As he searched one of the men the other man grabbed him, spun him around, and shot him three times with a .32 caliber handgun. Despite being mortally wounded, Patrolman Roberto chased both men approximately one block before collapsing. He was transported to a local hospital where he died that night. Both men were apprehended and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. One of the men died in prison and the other was paroled after serving 25 years. Patrolman Roberto had served with the Irvington Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and infant son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-A6AF384E- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Patrolman Roberto gave the Irvington Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Irvington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Roberto.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Otto Michael Roberto 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 NJ, 229 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.4% of this state's fallen. That is 35.4 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Irvington Police Department, 4 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Otto Michael Roberto's cause is highlighted.
How Otto Michael Roberto Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Otto Michael Roberto is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Otto Michael Roberto was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Irvington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
