Officer James Ronco killed in the line of duty in 1916
Tampa Police - Officer James Ronco, 34, the son of Italian immigrants, arrested Nettie Thompson at 7th Avenue and 13th St. after she escaped from the police station about 8:00 p.m.
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While Officer Ronco was transporting her to jail, Thompson grabbed his gun and shot him once. Officer Ronco grabbed it back and fired three shots at Thompson before he died. She died as well. It was determined that Ms. Thompson was on heroin and cocaine, a drug that remains a plight on society today.
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Two Tampa Police officers killed during traffic stop
Tampa Police Memorial Committee, Inc.