Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Michael Melchiona was shot and killed during a foot pursuit. Patrolman Melchiona was on foot patrol when he encountered a suspect in the bathroom at the IRT station at 50th and Broadway. The suspect was smoking a cigarette. Patrolman Melchiona asked the suspect for 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 and killing him. The other Patrolman continued the chase and fired multiple shots at the fleeing taxi cab, killing the suspect. Officer Melchiona had served with the New York City Transit Police Department for four years and was assigned to Transit District 1.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two young children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-BDC3C743- 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.
Patrolman Melchiona gave the New York City Transit Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Melchiona.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Michael Melchiona 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 Transit Police Department, 11 of 14 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 78.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Michael Melchiona's cause is highlighted.
How Michael Melchiona Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael Melchiona is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael Melchiona was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
13 officers from New York City Transit Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
