Bio & Incident Details
Age: 39
Tour: 10 years
Badge # 25923
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 9/15/1979
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect: Sentenced to life in prison
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Officer Melvin Hopkins was shot and killed while taking action during an apparent robbery when he was off duty.
Officer Hopkins was waiting in front of a store owned by his uncle as the store closed for the night. A man attempted to gain entry and Officer Hopkins told the man the store was closed. The man then produced a handgun. Officer Hopkins and the suspect exchanged shots, and Officer Hopkins was mortally wounded. As Officer Hopkins lay wounded on the ground, the suspect stole his service weapon and fled.
The suspect was apprehended several days later and charged with murder. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He is eligible for parole in July 2012.
Officer Hopkins had served with the New York City Police Department for 10 years and was assigned to the 77th Precinct. He had previously served three tours of duty with the United States Army in Vietnam.
Officer Hopkins was survived by his wife, son and daughter.
