Bath Police Department, Maine
End of Watch Monday, May 29, 1961
Add to My HeroesMerle D. Niles
Sergeant Merle Niles succumbed to complications of a gunshot wound sustained on July 15th, 1960, while responding to a domestic disturbance call on Pleasant Street.
When he arrived at the scene he was informed by the subject's wife that the man was threatening to shoot her and her boyfriend. As Sergeant Niles entered the home the man opened fire with a .22 caliber revolver, striking Sergeant Niles in the chest.
Despite his wound, Sergeant Niles was able to talk the man into surrendering. The man was arrested and charged with assault with intent to commit murder.
Sergeant Niles was transported to Bath Memorial Hospital. He was able to recover enough to return to duty, but suffered medical complications and died on May 29th, 1961.
Sergeant Niles was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and the recipient of a Bronze Star. He had served with the Bath Police Department for 10 years.
Bio
- Age 51
- Tour 10 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Friday, July 15, 1960
- Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
- Offender Arrested
Most Recent Reflection
View all 6 ReflectionsSergeant Niles, it has been 63 years since you were taken from us. Northern New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your military and 10 years of law enforcement service.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
May 29, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024