Newark Officer Killed During Pursuit

Police and Law Enforcement News
Saturday, March 3, 2007 10:20 a.m.

UPDATED;  March 5, 2007 12:00 a.m.

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral Arrangements have been announced for Newark Police Officer Tommaso Popolozio.

Wake and Visitation

Services are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday at the Farmer Funeral Home (map) in Roseland.  

Farmer Funeral Home
45 Roseland Avenue
Roseland, New Jersey
(973) 226-1111

Monday 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass

The funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Basilica (website map directions) in Newark.  As with all Inspector's Funerals, officers should arrive at least two hours early.

Sacred Heart Basilica
89 Ridge Street
Newark, New Jersey
973-484-4600

Officer Down Memorial Page

The ODMP website has already established a memorial page for Police Officer Tommaso Popolozio.  To read or leave a tribute, click here.

What Happened

NEWARK -  A patrol sergeant with the City of Newark Police Department was killed in the line of duty early Saturday morning.

The officer has been identified as 33-year-old Sgt. Tommaso Popolozio.

Apparently, a 22-year-old suspect, wanted on gun related charges, had just been arrested and cuffed.  Somehow, he managed to get his hands to the front of his body and was able to steal the patrol car.

A chase ensued, and Sgt. Popolozio was apparently one of the units trying to apprehend the suspect.

At some point during the pursuit Sgt. Popolozio's vehicle crashed and flipped.  He was taken to University Hospital and was pronounced dead a few hours later.

Sgt. Tommaso Popolozio leaves behind a wife and four children.

More information will be posted as it becomes available.

The Suspect

His name is William Rodriguez. 

In his 22 years on this planet he has already managed to have been arrested nine times. 

He has also already managed to have four felony convictions at just twenty-two.  That is not an easy task.

We will be curious to learn in the coming months why someone with four felony convictions was not incarcerated. 

Police and Law Enforcement News
Saturday, March 3, 2007 10:20 a.m.

UPDATED;  March 5, 2007 12:00 a.m.