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Incident
Patrolman Juan Nales was shot and killed while walking a prisoner to jail. He and another officer had arrested the man after responding to reports of a suspicious person.
As the three walked to jail the man attacked Patrolman Nales. He was able to gain control of Patrolman Nales' service weapon and fatally shot him before fleeing on foot. The suspect was convicted of murder and sent to prison.
Patrolman Nales was survived by his expectant wife and 13-month-old daughter.
The city of West Tampa was annexed by Tampa in 1925.
Survivors
Patrolman Nales was survived by his expectant wife and 13-month-old daughter.
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 Nales served with the West Tampa Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Tampa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Nales.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Juan is the only officer of West Tampa Police Department remembered here.
Juan is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.2% of the 1,007 remembered there.
Juan is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Juan is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1920, 2 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 93rd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Juan was 26. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36.
Juan was 26. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Juan was 26. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 8.4% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Sundays: 15.9%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at West Tampa Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.2% of all 1,007 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 10.3% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 13-E
What is kept
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