Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Betanzos succumbed to injuries sustained one week earlier when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while directing traffic at the city's waterfront following 4th of July activities. A vehicle that was waiting in traffic sped around the stopped vehicles and into the intersection of Renwick Street and Water Street, striking Officer Betanzos. The suspect continued to flee at high speed. He was taken into custody after striking two additional cars and injuring 10 people. Officer Betanzos was transported to a local hospital and then transferred to St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, New York. He remained at St. Francis Hospital until succumbing to his injuries. The suspect was charged with second degree manslaughter. Officer Betanzos had served with the agency for just under 3 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-FDEAAF08- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Robert. 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 Betanzos gave the Newburgh City Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newburgh community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Betanzos.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Robert Joseph Betanzos 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 Newburgh City 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. Robert Joseph Betanzos's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Joseph Betanzos Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with manslaughter
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Joseph Betanzos is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Joseph Betanzos was killed by automobile.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Newburgh City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
