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Man Shot By Beachwood Police Officer Died Of Gunshot Wound To Chest

Autopsy on Mark Tanouye done yesterday

The man late Thursday night near the High Velocity Bar and Grill died of a gunshot wound to the chest, Ocean County Executive Assistant Prosecutor Michel A. Paulhus said.

The autopsy on 52-year-old Mark Tanouye was performed Friday, he said.

Beachwood Sgt. Bruce Harris was in uniform in a marked police cruiser when he responded to a 10:50 p.m. call about a man "creating a disturbance" in the parking lot of the sports bar on Route 166, Paulhus has said.

Harris got out of his patrol car and confronted Tanouye in the sports bar parking lot. Tanouye was carrying a .25 caliber handgun, Paulhus has said.

"He ignored repeated commands to drop his weapon," Paulhus said. "The officer discharged his weapon and the male suffered fatal injuries."

Tanouye was pronounced dead at the scene. His last known address was in Beachwood, Paulhus said.

Harris has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is continuing, which is standard procedure, Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford said.

The state Attorney General's Office was notified about the shooting, Ford said.

"An investigation is being conducted by my office pursuant to the Attorney General’s guidelines concerning the use of force," Ford said.

Anyone with any information about the shooting is asked to
contact Detective Thomas Tiernan of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at
(732) 929-2027.

Tanouye had a lengthy criminal record. He was last admitted to state prison in March 2008 and was released March 2012 from South Woods State Prison, on one count of terroristic threats to kill, and one count of weapons possession for an unlawful purpose. The charges stemmed from an incident in May 14, 2006, according to the state Departments of Corrections website.

On May 5 of that year, Tanouye impersonated a public servant, a charge which he also served prison time for. He used aliases such as Gregory Bartholomew, Bartholemew Dangalow, Mark Dangelo and Mark Tonouge, according to the DOC website.

The prison term was a mandatory 48-month sentence that carried a maximum of seven years.

The parking lot of the High Velocity Sports bar was roped off with police tape in the early morning darkness on Friday. Beachwood police, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, the Ocean County Criminalistics Investigative Unit and the Beachwood Fire Department were on the scene.

Gino De Lucia July 22, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Another worthless comment by someone who's obviously a jailbird himself & a moron!
Gino De Lucia July 22, 2012 at 12:52 pm
If you're not happy in Beachwood, then perhaps you ought to move to a more peaceful place like Afghanistan!
1stcav July 22, 2012 at 12:59 pm
And some never finish their shift as in Sgt. King of LBPD who while on his diner break was shot & killed on DUTY by a punk with a GUN. Good job by all involved in L.E...period. Stay alert and stay safe...While in uniform they KNOW who you are, you never KNOW who they are .....
keepitreal July 22, 2012 at 01:55 pm
bottom line.. per PPL that where there & saw what happened..... ( hopfully this message will stay on bcz the truth on this story keeps getting deleted)
The guy was so drunk... He & his G/F where agruing, he went to go get a gun & someone over heard him say that to her & called the police. When the police arrived he had just got the gun out of car... (YES SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO HAVE A GUN) HE WAS NOT WAVING IT AT THE POLICE MAN, ( personally think the guy was so drunk he didnt even realize what was going on) YES he asked him to put the gun down... & he didnt BUT the police officer could have simply very easy had shot him in the arm or leg to defuse what was going on, then handcuff him & take him into custudy... The cops knew his man reputation... & was tired of dealing with him, & the officer to matter in his own hands killing him in frond of of GF... for all of you that say the mans deserves it, I hope you or noone that you know ever has a criminal record, because one you have serviced your time .. & your a free man You will be walking around with a target on your back the second you do anything wrong. at least in this town anyway..( imagine if this guy was black))
Karen July 22, 2012 at 02:14 pm
I wasn't there, I'm sure the officer made his decision in good faith to protect himself. But I do find it hysterical that the guys criminal record was posted. Someone felt the need to justify this shot. Yes cops are trained to kill not mame, maybe this should be rethought. Either way if a cop says drop it with a gun aimed at you I don't care what you are holding just drop it.
Beverly July 22, 2012 at 02:39 pm
I had to sadly snicker at the comment about the "tootsie roll". What stupidity on anyone's part (especially a convicted criminal) to not know the routine when told to drop your weapon. Time in prison had already detailed the "drop your weapon" means drop whatever you have in your hand. Nobody is going to check to see what object you have in your hand. Just drop it and he knew the routine. Sgt. Harris I am certain does not appreciate not being at his job. Administrative leave is not as comfortable as one would expect. He is not on vacation, especially from the verbal lashing he gets online. Next time one of you big mouths need an officer, go pick up your "tootsie roll" and eat the "comfort food" instead of calling 911. JMO
unclep July 22, 2012 at 02:42 pm
True, just because this guy had a record doesn't mean he should die. True, he may not have been doing anything bad at the time. But also true is that none of us were there.....if the cop deemed him to be an immediate threat and he would not drop his weapon...then the cop had no choice. I did always think that in situations like this cops would shoot an extremity and not the chest, but there is no way a cop set out to purposely kill someone. Has anyone considered "death by cop" here? Maybe this guy knew full well that he would get shot if he didn't drop his weapon.
Pete Bay Head July 22, 2012 at 03:08 pm
Well if a picture can say a thousands word the photo of this loser sums it up. Nuff said. What the heck he looks like a backwoods hillbilly from Alabama.
Miche July 22, 2012 at 03:44 pm
my brother in law is a cop, swat and marshall service. If someone has a gun and does not follow commands, then guess what hes going to get shot period.All of you who oppose of such an action have never been on the wrong end of a gun.Its sad yes, its reality. what did you think would happen? move to san fransisco and join a hippie libral movement.
i don't get it?? July 22, 2012 at 04:51 pm
This is such a shame...its a shame that a lifelong criminal was OUT of jail when he should have still been there(justice system failure...AGAIN)...its a shame that a police officer had to use the weapon he never wants to use...its a shame that some of these dumbass people are bashing a man for doing his job the way he was trained to do it, while giving a career criminal any type of credit for being anything more than that...AND, its a shame that this is what our country has come to...the fact that this had to happen is awful, the fact that people are ignoring the FACTS that were stated in this article and previous ones just because they think its humorous or are they just that dumb...either way, maybe you all should go live together in some kind of town where there are no police and no laws, and when you need help you can call...oh wait NOBODY, because the cops aren't there to help...good luck ya stupid ignoramouses!!
And again Officer Harris...job well done.
DennyD July 22, 2012 at 06:23 pm
I wonder how many times Sgt. Harris has had to fire his gun in his entire career? The deceased had been incarcerated so he knew how to follow orders. He probably had nothing to live for anyway. Jobs? There are no jobs(even it there were who would hire him?) Friends? Personal relationships? etc. Sad ending to a sad life.
Thomas July 22, 2012 at 09:16 pm
I don't recall seeing this in any articles or in the comments but how the hell did this scumbag criminal get a gun? I would assume illegally. I can't imagine a way this guy could be approved for a hand gun no matter how long the waiting period.
beIwnis July 22, 2012 at 11:03 pm
sorry Cop was wrong & used excessive force... was no need to kill him
foggyworld July 23, 2012 at 12:04 am
I am not criticizing the police officer but would like to know if local police are armed with taser guns. My concern is one that I also have with the TSA in airports where they are now getting very aggresive with people who do not follow verbal commands.
I am completely deaf and am concerned that things other than shooting someone through the heart might have incapacitated the man who sounds as if he had some mental health problems. Again, I just want to know if tasers are part of the gear.
Mike July 23, 2012 at 12:04 am
Thank god the people of ocean county are standing behind this officer , sht Harris you have a lot of support , we are all sure you did what you had to do and we are supporting you . I have friends that go to that bar just to have a drink and relax , thank god you were there to stop this guy from hurting one of my friends . Can you imagine what the idiots would be saying if he shot someone and got away ? WHERE WERE THE POLICE ? Why did they let this guy get away with this ? I SAID BEFORE THANK YOU SGT HARRIS FOR BEING THERE I JUST HOPE YOU CAN LET IT GO AND REMEMBER THAT'S YOUR JOB AND YOU DID WHAT WE ALL PAY YOU TO DO . Don't let it bother you . Move on and please keep patrolling and protecting us all . We need you . Thank pal
Berkeley Lifer July 23, 2012 at 02:11 am
Maybe you should have been Tanouye's human sheild?
knwtTRUEsry July 23, 2012 at 02:43 am
dont let it bother you that this man is dead & he could barly stand up he was so drunk... BUT the young man that went on a shooting rampage Killing so many is still alive ... That was the correct way to handle a crazy person. ( only this guy was not killing anyone)
Rufus O'Callahan July 23, 2012 at 04:31 am
I think the officer was wrong in shooting to kill. Say what you want about this individual, but there was no need to use deadly force in this instance. Do whatever it takes to disarm the man and take him into custody, but this was a reaction taken to the extreme that resulted in the end of a life. At the same time, we'll never know exactly what Mr. Tanouye's intent was here ... perhaps his objective was "suicide by cop".
Traveller July 23, 2012 at 11:33 am
God bless and protect all police . . . they come so close to death, risking their lives over and over as they are forced to deal wih evildoers and lawbreakers who wish to do harm to police and citizens. Thank you.
1stcav July 23, 2012 at 11:34 am
Rufus O; Then he may have got what he wanted. He choose what not to do when told to DROP whatever is in your hand by L.E. He may have learned that in jail as the C.O. tell you what to do there also. Most try to defy any orders as they don't like it. He paid the price for being Soooooo cocky and grandstanding for the " Crowd " now lets see if he does THAT before his maker , bet not !
Andrea maher July 23, 2012 at 03:49 pm
Idk y people talk about things thy have no clue about?!?!! all of u bashing the sgt shouldn't open ur mouths for one U WEREN'T THERE for two UR AN IDIOT for three U DON'T KNOW THIS EX-CON!!!! First off Mark was a very dangerous person I knew him u didn't!! He threatened an ex-girlfriend stating he was gonna kill her....he assaulted a mural friend and their family member...but hey u know it all right?!im betting the big mouths on here would hav pissed their pants if they were in that parking lot before the officer got there....according to a good friend WHO WAS THERE N IN THE PARKING LOT prior to the officer getting there he did have and was waving a gun n he was highly intoxicated....so before u speak about something u have no clue about mayb u should do some research before u open ur mouths I understand ur a computer tough guy but honestly no one asked for ur uneducated GUESS on this situation bc that's all it is....get a clue before u post something else dumb and make urself look even more stupid....the sgt did what he was trained to do n that was to protect the inocent bystanders in beachwood before one of them had been shot and killed.....the funny thing is if the sgt do what he did someone else could n probably would be dead n then u would b complaining about that I'm sure!!!!
Tom Grosse July 23, 2012 at 03:52 pm
God bless Sgt. Harris and his family. He did his job. End of story.
ray dietrich July 23, 2012 at 05:04 pm
Great job SGT. Anyone who thinks other wise your a shady piece of garbage. Surprised you have a computer and know how to read.
Alice July 24, 2012 at 06:16 am
Oh sure, he should have wounded him??? Hit him in the arm, the leg whatever!!! Give him the oppurtinity to shoot you back (or anyone else standing around.. Are you kidding? If someone is told numerous times to drop the gun and he doesn't. one can only submise that they intend to use it. ON WHO? wha do you do take the time to ask him who he wants to shoot, with a gun that he difinitely did not have a permit for after just being released from jail???? How can you object to this officer doing is job after giving this Piece of ----, enough of a warning.
I have found the officers of Manchester to be kind, considerate, gentle and understanding in almost all circumstances. Try being on their side of the fence once or twice and see how you feel and what your reactions would be !!!!!
Keeping whats mine July 25, 2012 at 08:51 pm
Enough is enough, let dead dogs lie
happyNJ July 25, 2012 at 09:47 pm
excessive force that was not needed in this case at all... should have been there
Bill Bradsky July 26, 2012 at 07:03 am
I love how ppl critique a situation like this from behind their computers screens. Here's an idea, try doing a ride along on a busy weekend day/night then come back and comment.
JOHNNY Done it July 28, 2012 at 01:44 am
May next time you or a family member might have one pointed at them...I guess at that point you think of your options including getting shot ..Really this guy should have not got out of jail He came to the crossroads of his life ..No loss....
JOHNNY Done it July 28, 2012 at 01:51 am
INSTEAD of justifing his actions He had a gun on him probably going shoot to his G/F or someone else because he was a sober idiot before he got drunk and was thinking about it( premeditated) OHH should we forget his colorful past , you have control of your own actions He put the target on his own back ,I forgot the devil made him do it....
JOHNNY Done it July 28, 2012 at 01:57 am
Question.. all these gun laws work real well? WE have a repeat criminal with an illegal weapon So lets stop wasting our time (The senator that needs to retire) maybe help protect the innocent & law abidding citizen..Give the person with legal weapon more protection,, As we see the gun laws are useless to criminals..We didnt need to be a senator to figure this out ..

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gerald laquay June 16, 2013 at 04:25 pm
Great story hope he is doing good,i just went through a bone marrow tranplant well actuallyi amRead More doing good it is 100 percent of the new stem cell an 92 percent which leavesme with 8 percent of myself the new stem cells will take over my whole body once the 8 percent is gone so godbless you an your family hope everything works out
barb June 17, 2013 at 11:00 pm
guess it will be awhile before we get patch stories up? all that we have now are observer and app,Read More blah.
Robert Everett June 19, 2013 at 06:39 am
Hi Pat: Thank you so much for your time & efforts. You know how important I feel a free,Read More independent and viable press is. Freedom of the press is one of our countires most vital rights and needs to be protected, literally at all costs. Without the ability for the average citizen to investigate, critiicise, praise and comment on government, business, education and all facets of our lives the Great American Democracy would not exist - even if it does produce annonymous curmudgeons like the Chief and the rest of the fan club. ;-) That being said, the digital media world is still trying to find its way into a viable business model. I was very excited about the 'hyper' local idea of the Patch, but the challenges you mentioned are real. However, I do feel based on my dealing with the Patch on several levels (blogger, community person & advertiser) the corporate leadership does not quite get the 'hyper-local' idea - they like it only if it produces revenue. What comes firt guys, the classic 'chicken or the egg'. Advertising is all about numbers, and in our community that was tough to overcome - I see both sides. It was a pleasure having a 'hometown' reporter that actually had the knowledge, perspective and understanding of our community as only one that lives here can. You will be missed on these pages, but it will be still be good to see you around town! So good luck to you in Lacey & Barnegat, Ill be happy to share any of my contacts, never dull there either! Bob Everett
Patricia A. Miller (Editor) June 19, 2013 at 11:48 am
Thanks for the kind comments, folks. I still live here!
Trish June 8, 2013 at 01:26 am
I'm glad you are home. We are still repairing in LBI but, hopefully, we will back by the 4th ofRead More July. This was not our "primary" home but it still was our home. We will never forget Oct. 29, 2012.
foggyworld June 8, 2013 at 02:24 am
This has been one heck of a learning experience and yes, it has exhausted so many of us. The onlyRead More way to keep going really is to take it one day at a time and know if you wake up tomorrow something you never dreamed of is bound to happen.
answertwoit June 5, 2013 at 10:52 pm
all three siddons lost. Kukla Fran and Ollie... you ran for revenge and not for the people. itRead More showed and you lost.
Brian Wilson June 6, 2013 at 02:12 pm
Quit whining, Fran. You were always just in it for yourself. You wanted to be "CouncilwomanRead More Fran Siddons." Most people saw right through you. You biggest mistake was believing your inflated sense of self.
Terry LiCausi June 7, 2013 at 02:43 pm
Why couldn't you just write a classy speech, you chose to look like a sore loser once again. YouRead More listed reasons for losing and you and I both, know you tried to talk to the board workers and the Republican Challenger had to ask you to stop. You stood right outside the doors and tried to talk to voters also, you did this at all the polling places. You had 3 challengers to 1 republican challenger at the polls, so how could all that you say get done. Why didn't they call the election board? Come on Fran, just admit the people DO REMEMBER and that is why you lost.