Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman B.J. Tunnell was shot and killed while serving a felony warrant with another officer at the Elms Motel in Miami. During a struggle between both officers and the subject, the man grabbed the other officer's weapon and shot Patrolman Tunnell. The suspect fled the room. The other officer took Patrolman Tunnell's weapon, was able to return fire, and fatally wound the suspect. Patrolman Tunnell was transported to Francis Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Patrolman Tunnell had served with the Miami Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, his parents, and six brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OK-0897F76D- 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.
Patrolman Tunnell gave the Miami Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Miami community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Tunnell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Brian Jeffery Tunnell 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 OK, 403 of 582 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.2% of this state's fallen. That is 15 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Miami Police Dept., 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. Brian Jeffery Tunnell's cause is highlighted.
How Brian Jeffery Tunnell Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Brian Jeffery Tunnell is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Brian Jeffery Tunnell was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Miami Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
