New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch Friday, January 24, 1975
Add to My HeroesJohn P. Scala
Police Officer John Scala was shot and killed in a gun battle with two men at the intersection of 113th Street, near Morningside Drive, outside of the main entrance to St. Luke's Hospital.
Officer Scala was escorting a hospital attendant with a bank deposit when the two men attempted to rob them. Officer Scala, shot through the heart, managed to return fire, wounding both suspects. One was arrested at the scene. The other suspect was arrested at another hospital when he went there to be treated for gunshot wounds.
Both suspects were convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life. One was paroled May 14th, 1997, and then deported.
Officer Scala had served with the New York City Police Department for over 20 years and was assigned to the applicant Processing Division. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 45
- Tour 20 years
- Badge 9914
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsRest in peace, brother.
Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)
January 24, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Sergeant John K. Williams
Coralville Police Department, IA
EOW: July 3, 2022

Police Officer Jacob Russell Chaffins
Prestonsburg Police Department, KY
EOW: July 1, 2022

Deputy Sheriff William Petry
Floyd County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: June 30, 2022

Captain Ralph Frasure
Prestonsburg Police Department, KY
EOW: June 30, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Bradley Johnson
Bibb County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: June 30, 2022

Reserve Officer Jeffrey Richardson
Poteet Police Department, TX
EOW: June 29, 2022

Sergeant Richard Lopez
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, AZ
EOW: June 28, 2022

Detention Officer Jeremiah James Story
Perry County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: June 22, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Austin Derek Aldridge
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: June 21, 2022