Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Ronald Tsukamoto was shot and killed while talking with a motorist he had stopped at University Avenue and Jefferson Avenue at about 1:00 am. The officer had decided not to issue a citation to the motorist and while he continued talking to him, another male walked up and joined the conversation. Without provocation, the second man pulled out a handgun and shot Officer Tsukamoto in the eye. The shooter then fled to a waiting automobile and escaped. On May 25, 2004, a suspect in Officer Tsukamoto's murder was arrested, but was released after the Alameda County District Attorney decided there was not enough evidence to charge him. Officer Tsukamoto had served with the Berkeley Police Department for nine months.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-CA-56CF37B4- Stewardship
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- 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.
Officer Tsukamoto served with the Berkeley Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Berkeley community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Tsukamoto.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Ronald Tsugio Tsukamoto 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 CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Berkeley Police Department, 2 of 2 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. Ronald Tsugio Tsukamoto's cause is highlighted.
How Ronald Tsugio Tsukamoto Compares
Offender Outcome
Not charged by district attorney
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ronald Tsugio Tsukamoto is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ronald Tsugio Tsukamoto was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Berkeley Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
