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Incident
Patrolman Otto Roberto was shot and killed at the intersection of Avon Avenue and 20th Street while attempting to arrest two armed suspects who had just robbed a diner. As he searched one of the men the other man grabbed him, spun him around, and shot him three times with a .32 caliber handgun. Despite being mortally wounded, Patrolman Roberto chased both men approximately one block before collapsing. He was transported to a local hospital where he died that night. Both men were apprehended and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. One of the men died in prison and the other was paroled after serving 25 years. Patrolman Roberto had served with the Irvington Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and infant son.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Roberto gave the Irvington Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Irvington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Roberto.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Irvington Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Otto is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
Otto is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Otto is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1969, 6 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1969, 124 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1969, 128 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Otto was 23. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. Otto had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Otto was 23. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Otto had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Otto was 23. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Otto had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.6% of these deaths in NJ; September holds the most, 23.9%. Thursdays: 13.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Irvington Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Irvington Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Otto among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Irvington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
