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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
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- 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 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Miami Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Brian is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 remembered there.
Brian is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Brian is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1988, 1 officer in OK was killed feloniously, the 79th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1988, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1988, 105 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Brian was 27. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. Brian had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Brian was 27. 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. Brian had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Brian was 27. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Brian had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 11.4% of these deaths in OK, more than any other month. Sundays: 18.6%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Miami Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 16.6% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Miami Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Brian among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Miami Police Department are honored on badge.nw.