U.S. Army · United States 
Gerald Arthur Rauft
1981
Gerald A. Rauft served the U.S. Army for 3 years. Gerald served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Detective Gerald Rauft was shot and killed during an undercover operation to purchase 100 pounds of marijuana. The undercover officers were conducting the deal inside a home at 1410 E. 29th Avenue when a shootout erupted and Detective Rauft was fatally wounded. The second officer was seriously wounded. Four suspects were apprehended. The 28-year-old triggerman was declared mentally incompetent to stand trial and sent to a mental institution. In 1986 he was deemed competent and was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. On May 5th, 2012, he was resentenced to life in prison. He died in prison on May 30th, 2020. Detective Rauft had served with the Tampa Police Department for eight years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Service Record
U.S. Army
1962 – 1965
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Tampa Police Department
Detective
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn8xtw8n7en1f55yv5tb
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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