Newark Police Department

((pictured from left to right) Orange Police Director Aric Webster, Chatrian Shields-widow of 2006 Valor Award Recipient Detective Kieran T. Shields/Orange Police Department, Eneida Camacho-widow of 2006 Valor Award Recipient Sergeant Tommaso Popolizio/Newark Police Department, Newark Police Chief Anthony Campos and Essex County Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura.

Sergeant Tommaso Popolizio
Orange Police Department

Shortly after midnight on October 15, 2006, Sergeant Tommaso Popolizio was on patrol alone at McWhorter and East Kinney Streets in the Ironbound section of Newark. At this time, the late sergeant observed a vehicle and suspects, matching the description of those responsible for numerous of strong-arm robberies, drive by his lookout location.

Following the suspects in his marked unit, Popolizio confirms the license plate, radios dispatch of his intentions and activates overhead lights in an attempt to pull the suspect vehicle over. The suspect vehicle refuses to stop and attempts to elude Popolizio. Popolizio continues to track the suspect vehicle, which leads him on a lengthy and extensive pursuit at high speed, covering large sections of the East and Central districts.

With other marked units now in the area, the suspect vehicle is now virtually boxed in at South Orange Avenue and Grove Street. Facing the threat of immediate capture, the suspect behind the wheel puts his foot to the floor and crashes the suspect vehicle into a police unit, causing the car to burst into flames. The two suspects exit their vehicle and flee the scene on foot. Suspect, Rahneal Brown, is captured after a brief chase. Sergeant Popolizio exits his marked unit and, leading other officers, chases the second suspect, Walter Zellars, through backyards and alleyways until he is finally captured outside of 17 Ferdinand Street.

Throughout this incident, Sergeant Tommaso Popolizio demonstrated exceptional bravery, totally disregarding his own personal safety, as the suspects were known to have used guns and knives in the dozens of robberies they are charged with committing.

Popolizio also demonstrated the highest degree of initiative and professionalism while making initial contact with the suspects, while engaged in pursuit and while coordinating the efforts of responding officers.

The two suspects had represented a major crime wave, which threatened the lives and safety of the citizens of Newark. Sergeant Popolizio’s bravery, actions and perseverance ended their crime spree.

We are proud to honor the memory of the late Sergeant Tommaso Popolizio and posthumously awarded him with our Valor Award.

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