Paramus Police Department, New Jersey
End of Watch: Sunday, October 3, 1976
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 5 years, 6 months
Badge Number: 306
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Date of Incident: October 3, 1976
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Michael McEllen was killed in an automobile crash while responding to an intruder call at 11 p.m.
His patrol car hydroplaned on a rain-slicked Route 17, causing it to strike a light pole. His vehicle was found at 5:44 a.m.
Patrolman McEllen was a United States Vietnam Army veteran who had served with the Paramus Police Department for 3.5 years and previously served with the Ramsey Police Department. He was survived by his wife, two children, mother, and two brothers.