Officer Ronald Tsugio Tsukamoto, Berkeley Police Department, California

Officer Ronald Tsugio Tsukamoto

Berkeley Police Department, California

End of Watch Thursday, August 20, 1970

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Ronald Tsugio Tsukamoto

Officer Ronald Tsukamoto was shot and killed while talking with a motorist he had stopped at University Avenue and Jefferson Avenue at about 1:00 am.

The officer had decided not to issue a citation to the motorist and while he continued talking to him, another male walked up and joined the conversation. Without provocation, the second man pulled out a handgun and shot Officer Tsukamoto in the eye. The shooter then fled to a waiting automobile and escaped.

On May 25, 2004, a suspect in Officer Tsukamoto's murder was arrested, but was released after the Alameda County District Attorney decided there was not enough evidence to charge him.

Officer Tsukamoto had served with the Berkeley Police Department for nine months.

Bio

Age 28
Tour 9 months
Badge 41

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Not charged by district attorney

ambush, traffic stop

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While your assailant may have not been caught and brought to justice yet, he will surely face a much higher justice at another time. On this 50th anniversary of your untimely departure we say thank you and rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 20, 2020