Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Lisojo was killed in an automobile accident when his patrol car was broadsided by a driver that had run a red light at Bergen Street and 18th Avenue.
The driver of that vehicle was later found to be intoxicated. Officer Lisojo was the passenger in the second of three patrol cars responding to shots fired call at 0200 hours. As Officer Lisojo's patrol car entered the intersection, it was struck broadside, causing it to flip onto its side. Officer Lisojo and his partner were both transported to University Hospital in critical condition. Officer Lisojo succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
The 26-year-old driver of the vehicle that struck the patrol car was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, recklessly operating a vehicle, and driving while intoxicated. The suspect was also wanted on several outstanding warrants, including one for an incident earlier in the year when the suspect exchanged gunfire with several Newark Officers. In late 2005, the suspect accepted a plea agreement, and in January 2006, he was sentenced to 20 years, 15 years for vehicular homicide, and an additional five years on several drug counts. He was released on February 27, 2019.
Officer Lisojo had served with the Newark Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He is survived by his three children, parents, sister, and four brothers, one who also serves with the Newark Police Department.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-E57E7FE0- 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.
Police Officer Lisojo gave the Newark Police Division 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newark community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Lisojo.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Melvin Lisojo 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 NJ, 229 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.4% of this state's fallen. That is 35.4 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Newark Police Division, 28 of 58 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 48.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Melvin Lisojo's cause is highlighted.
How Melvin Lisojo Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Melvin Lisojo is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Melvin Lisojo was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Others Who Wore This Badge
57 officers from Newark Police Division are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
