Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective John Pollins was shot and killed when he and two other officers when to arrest a suspect on a warrant for selling narcotics. Detective Pollins and two other officers went to the suspect's apartment in a building at the corner of East 124th Street and Park Avenue in Manhattan. Detective Pollins and another officer entered the suspect's apartment while the third officer stood guard outside. As Detective Pollins entered the apartment, the suspect fired two shots from a 16-gauge shotgun, striking Detective Pollins in the face and wounding the other officers. The suspect, 57, then fled from the location on foot, firing at the officers as he ran. One shot wounded the third officer at the scene. Despite their injuries, the officers were able to apprehend the suspect after a short chase. Detective Pollins was transported to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for his wounds, but he died early the next day. Detective Pollins had served with the New York City Police Department and was assigned to the Narcotics Division. He was survived by his wife and son. A police boat was named in Detective Pollins' honor.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-NY-BEBEED10- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Pollins served with the New York City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Pollins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective John D. Pollins is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At New York City Police Department, 365 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 29.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John D. Pollins's cause is highlighted.
How John D. Pollins Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John D. Pollins is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John D. Pollins was killed by shotgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1,236 officers from New York City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
