Sgt. Tommaso Popolizio was in pursuit of one William Rodriques, a 22 year old that had 9 prior arrest & 4 felony convictions.

 

It all started in an industrial area of Newark know as the Ironbound section (East ward) where drag racing has been a big problem. As the police arrived to stop the racing, an officer noticed Rodriques discarding a firearm. After being placed under arrest, handcuffed and placed in the back of a squad car. The perp somehow managed to slip his handcuffed hands from behind, and worked his way into the front seat of the squad car and drove off with police in pursuit. It was at this time that officer Poplizio lost control of his vehicle after being struck by the stolen police car.

Officer Popolizio left a wife and 4 small children behind.

Even though I didn't know the Officer there are a number of reasons why I posted this.

I grew up in the area where this all happened, drag racing plagued that area since the late 60's & early 70's and I used to race there myself a long time ago.

It was proposed to the city engineers to place speed bumps on the area where this all happened, but it was decided that it would cost to much.

I've lived in NJ just about my whole life, the political corruption that has ruined this state has been going on for as far back as I can remember. The people of this state continue to put up with it and has become a way of life. Criminals plea bargain there charges away because it saves the city money, rather than go to court. This A-hole at 22 should have been put away for life 7 arrest & 2 felonies ago.  

Newark is becoming worse, including the Ironbound section which was considered one of the safest area's, if not the safest in Newark. We have a Football stadium downtown, where few people go (due to the area) and they're building another stadium just about a mile down the street. That they can afford.

I have never seen a funeral for a fallen hero in person, not that I ever wanted to but I will now, you see Sgt. Popolizio lived 1 block from me, even though I didn't know him, I've seen him around town. There are TV news trucks all over the place, mind you Roseland is only I believe 3 square miles and a very nice town to live in. The amount of police coming to pay there respect for a fallen brother will undoubtedly be huge. Maybe it's because I'm seeing this up close, or because I'm getting older, or because I have some family and good friend on the job that has  put things in a different prospective for me. I don't know, but it's not a good feeling especially when I have some good friends who risk their lives every day.

 

Hey Anthony, be safe out there!

Dave

 

Also, due to the pathetic inaction of politicians, this good man's family will be without him forever.

 

My prayers are with him, and his family.

 

Alan

Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

My prayers go out to his grieving family.

He will be honored in good fashion.

   http://www.nleomf.com/

 

 

Not one of the nearly 2000 complained once.  A small sacrafice to pay in comparison to the ultimate sacrafice that Sgt. Popolizio paid.

 

If you think it is strange that a felon with such a lengthy record was out on the streets, it is unfortunately the norm for this area. 

 

Anthony