On Valentine’s Day 1984, 30-year-old New York City Police Officer Thomas Ruotolo was killed while on patrol in the Bronx’s 41st Precinct. At about 6:45 p.m. he and his partner responded to a report of a stolen moped and spotted the suspect, George Agosto, filling the moped with gasoline at 149th Street and Bruckner Avenue.

Officer Ruotolo was struck in the head and died at the scene. His partner and an off-duty officer who witnessed the shooting were both wounded and taken to a hospital where they later recovered. Agosto fled but was later arrested at a hospital seeking treatment for four gunshot wounds from the shootout.

Agosto pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree attempted murder and was sentenced to 40 years to life. The corner of Southern Boulevard and Intervale Avenue in the Bronx was co-named in honor of Officer Ruotolo. Does anyone have memories of Officer Ruotolo or details about the neighborhood that night?