New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch Saturday, July 31, 1965
Add to My HeroesMaitland H. Mercer
Patrolman 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 and was survived by his wife, son and three daughters. He was assigned to the 76th Precinct.
Bio
- Age 44
- Tour 13 years
- Badge 15815
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 20 ReflectionsMay you Rest In Peace … hero ! I pray your children were taken care of and lived a beautiful life …. I see where someone posted above how they use to go to the Catskills … that was a police officers place that they booked a year in advance … sadly it closed I believe in the mid 80s … another place should be purchased and named in honor of these officers for families to go to
Ret. Po ohara
Nypd mounted
July 31, 2021
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