Police Officer Joseph Preston Martin
Metro-Dade Police Department
Florida
End of Watch: Friday, April 27, 1990

Biographical Info
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 2899

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Friday, April 27, 1990
Weapon Used: Handgun; .357 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to death

Officer Martin was shot and killed after he stopped a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle was a stolen vehicle and was occupied by three men who had been on a crime spree of burglaries and robberies. As Officer Martin approached the vehicle the passenger exited and opened fire, striking him in the throat. Although mortally wounded, Officer Martin was able to return fire and wounded the suspect in the shoulder. All three suspects fled but were eventually apprehended. The accomplices were sentenced to 30 years and life in prison. The shooter was sentenced to death.

Officer Martin is survived by his wife, two children, father, and mother.