New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Saturday, July 31, 1965
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 13 years
Badge Number: 15815
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 31, 1965
Weapon Used: Handgun; .22 caliber
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Patrolman Maitland Mercer was shot and killed while attempting to make an arrest while off duty.
Patrolman Mercer had entered a bar in his old neighborhood, and the bartender informed him another patron was claiming to be an FBI agent. Patrolman Mercer waited for another off-duty Patrolman, whom he was meeting at the bar, to arrive before taking action. When the other Patrolman arrived, Patrolman Mercer led the suspect to a storage alcove in the bar to question him. When Patrolman Mercer turned away for a moment, the suspect drew a .22-caliber pistol from his waistband and fired at Patrolman Mercer, striking him in the back. Patrolman Mercer fell to the ground, and the suspect fired again, hitting Patrolman Mercer in the chest.
When the suspect attempted to flee from the bar, he was shot twice by the other off-duty Patrolman who was in the bar. The suspect fled into the street, with the Patrolman in pursuit. The Patrolman fired four more times, killing the suspect.
Patrolman Mercer was removed to Maimonides Hospital where he died about an hour later from his wounds.
Patrolman Mercer was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department's Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.
Patrolman Mercer had served with the New York City Police Department for 13 years, assigned to the 76th Precinct. He was survived by his wife, son, and three daughters.