Police Officer Melvin L. "Mel" Henze

Melvin L. "Mel" Henze

Officer Melvin Henze was shot and killed while pursuing a suspect wanted for felonious assault. The suspect fled on foot as Officer Henze pursued in his police car. As Officer Henze passed a building alley at 1025 Naeher Street, the suspect came out and shot him several times through his open car window around 1:30 p.m.

The suspect was apprehended by responding officers. He was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison and was denied parole in November 2006. He died in prison on August 13, 2011.

Officer Henze, a Vietnam War veteran, had served with the agency for 8 years. He was survived by his 5-year-old daughter and his parents.