John D. Pollins

New York City Police Department — New York, NY

Felonious

End of Watch March 14, 1967

Age 36

The Vigil Panel 102 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 1,236

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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Added to badge.nw: April 2, 2026
Last updated: July 23, 2026

Honored here by 1 sentinel - 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

Department New York City Police Department

Location New York, NY

Platform Identity nypd.newyork.ny.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch March 14, 1967

Age 36

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Shotgun; 16 gauge

Offender Apprehended

Detective John D. Pollins is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.

In NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.

At New York City Police Department, 382 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 30.9% of this agency's fallen.

New York City Police Department

382

of 1,237 officers

30.9% Felonious

NY — Statewide

754

of 2,147 officers

35.1% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious