Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Thomas Ruotolo was shot and killed after he and his partner stopped a suspect with a stolen moped around 6:45 p.m. Officer Ruotolo and his partner were on patrol when they heard a report of a stolen moped over their radio. When they stopped at the corner of 149th Street and Bruckner Avenue in the Bronx, they observed the suspect filling the moped with gas at the corner gas station. Officer Ruotolo pulled his patrol car up behind the suspect, and he and his partner exited. As they approached, before they said a word to the suspect, the suspect drew a snub-nosed revolver and opened fire. Officer Ruotolo was struck in the head and killed. His partner returned fire but was shot and wounded. An off-duty officer using the pay phone at the gas station witnessed the incident and opened fire on the suspect, but he was also shot and wounded. Officer Ruotolo was pronounced dead at the scene. His partner and the off-duty officer were removed to a local hospital and later recovered from their wounds. The suspect fled but was later apprehended at a local hospital when he showed up seeking treatment for four gunshot wounds. The suspect, a career-violent criminal who was on parole for manslaughter and robbery, pleaded guilty to one charge of first-degree murder and two charges of first-degree attempted murder. He was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison. He was denied parole in September 2023. Officer Ruotolo had served with the New York City Police Department for three years and was assigned to the 41st Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-2B827AC1- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Thomas. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Ruotolo gave the New York City Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Ruotolo.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Thomas P. Ruotolo 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. Thomas P. Ruotolo's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas P. Ruotolo Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas P. Ruotolo is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas P. Ruotolo 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.
