Patrolman Ralph Keesee Ghivizzani

Ralph Keesee Ghivizzani

Patrolman Ralph Ghivizzani was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant at 11 Chamberlin Avenue for the theft of a firearm.

The man was also awaiting trial for spousal rape when his son went to the police station and informed the desk officer that his father was at home waiting for his mother to return with the intent to kill her. Patrolman Ghivizzani, along with an Elizabeth City County Police Department officer and a military police officer from Fort Monroe went to the home to arrest the man. As Patrolman Ghivizzani told the man he had a warrant the subject pulled a gun from under the table and shot him in the head, killing him instantly.

The man wounded the military policeman and a Phoebus firefighter before barricading himself in his home. He committed suicide several hours later.

Patrolman Ghivizzani had served with the Phoebus Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife, mother, and three brothers.