Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Robert Venable was shot and killed as he and five other officers attempted to make an arrest of two heavily armed men at an abandoned building at 2569 Pitkin Avenue in Brooklyn. Officer Venable and two other officers were transporting several prisoners to central booking in Brooklyn when they were alerted of a call involving several men with guns at 7:40 p.m. As they approached the scene, Officer Venable was shot. He succumbed to his injuries three hours later. The suspects were later apprehended. The suspect, 22, who shot Officer Venable, had been out of prison on parole for 42 days. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life. He received an additional 12-1/2 years for drug possession. He will be eligible for parole in 2024. Officer Venable had served with the New York City Transit Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his 8-year-old daughter and parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-512ACAD7- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Venable gave the New York City Transit Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Venable.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Robert Venable is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At New York City Transit Police Department, 11 of 14 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 78.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert Venable's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Venable Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 25 years to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Venable is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Venable was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
13 officers from New York City Transit Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
