Patrolman Michael Melchiona

Patrolman Michael Melchiona

New York City Transit Police Department, New York

End of Watch Saturday, February 28, 1970

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Michael Melchiona

Patrolman Melchiona was shot and killed during a foot pursuit.

Patrolman Melchiona was on foot patrol when he encountered a suspect in the bathroom at IRT station at 50th and Broadway. The suspect was smoking a cigarette. Patrolman, Melchiona asked the suspect identification, with the intention of issuing him a summons for smoking in the transit system.

The suspect pulled a .22 caliber handgun and held it to Patrolman Melchiona's head, ordering him to walk out of the bathroom. When they exited the bathroom, the suspect had Patrolman Melchiona lie down. The suspect then disarmed him. The suspect then fled with Patrolman Melchiona in pursuit.

Another Patrolman saw the suspect fleeing on foot and joined the pursuit. The suspect jumped into a cab and ordered the driver to drive. Patrolman Melchiona continued to chase the suspect on foot. The suspect then pointed his gun out the window of the cab and fired, hitting Patrolman Melchiona in the neck, killing him.

The other Patrolman continued the chase and fired multiple shots at the fleeing taxi cab, killing the suspect.

Officer Melchiona had been with the agency for four years and was assigned to Transit District 1. He was survived by his wife and two young children.

Bio

  • Age 29
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge 3148

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

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I stood next to Mike in our platoon at the training academy, he was always a fun gay . A sad story in hindsight , one day he forgot his service revolver and while sitting in a training class someone made a piece of paper into a triangle wrote GUN on it and slipped it into his holster. Fortunately none of the instructors caught on and Mike managed to race home at lunch break for his revolver. We all had many a good laugh with Mike about this and other mishaps though our training. I had moved on to the FDNY when Mike was killed , but was still a member the Pipe Bank for Mike’s funeral , a very sad day . Mostly I remember his smiling face and his wonderful family.

PO MARTIN MCTIGUE 3145
Retired Batt. Chief FDNY

October 25, 2020

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