New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Tuesday, March 14, 1967
Age: 36
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 13, 1967
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 16 gauge
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Detective John Pollins was shot and killed when he and two other officers when to arrest a suspect on a warrant for selling narcotics.
Detective Pollins and two other officers went to the suspect's apartment in a building at the corner of East 124th Street and Park Avenue in Manhattan. Detective Pollins and another officer entered the suspect's apartment while the third officer stood guard outside. As Detective Pollins entered the apartment, the suspect fired two shots from a 16-gauge shotgun, striking Detective Pollins in the face and wounding the other officers.
The suspect, 57, then fled from the location on foot, firing at the officers as he ran. One shot wounded the third officer at the scene. Despite their injuries, the officers were able to apprehend the suspect after a short chase.
Detective Pollins was transported to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for his wounds, but he died early the next day.
Detective Pollins had served with the New York City Police Department and was assigned to the Narcotics Division. He was survived by his wife and son.
A police boat was named in Detective Pollins' honor.