| Patrolman Brian Charles Melton Des Moines Police Department Iowa End of Watch: Thursday, April 21, 1977 Biographical Info Age: 25 Tour of Duty: 4 years Badge Number: 318 Incident Details Cause of Death: Gunfire Date of Incident: Thursday, April 21, 1977 Weapon Used: Officer's handgun Suspect Info: Acquitted of charges Patrolman Melton was shot and killed after he and another officer arrested two men for public intoxication. While walking one of the men to the patrol wagon a scuffle ensued and an officer's handgun came free from its holster. The suspect picked up the gun and shot Patrolman Melton in the chest. The suspect was charged with 1st Degree Murder but was acquitted as the defense portrayed him as being the victim of police brutality. Patrolman Melton had been with the agency for four years and is survived by his wife and two children. |