Police Officer Porfirio Soto, Jr., Tampa Police Department, Florida

Police Officer Porfirio Soto, Jr.

Tampa Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Friday, December 30, 1988

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Porfirio Soto, Jr.

Officer Porfirio Soto was shot and killed as he and another officer served an arrest warrant at 3710 E. Idlewild Avenue.

The subject was wanted in a neighboring jurisdiction for armed robbery, aggravated battery, and carrying a concealed firearm. A struggle ensued inside of the suspect's home in which Officer Soto was shot in an area not protected by his vest.

The man fled the home after shooting Officer Sorto but was arrested a short time later. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He hanged himself in prison on April 13th, 1997.

Officer Soto was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Tampa Police Department for 18 months. He is survived by his wife and 10-month-old son.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 1 year, 6 months
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Committed suicide in prison

robbery, warrant service, weapons violation

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Most Recent Reflection

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Just did the Tampa PD memorial 5k today. Thinking about everyone. He was my god-brother. I too was on the job. He did awesome for a guy from Southside Brooklyn, Williamsburg.

Officer Angelo C
Montgomery Township PD

October 11, 2025