Incident
Keeper Robert Pedrick succumbed to injuries sustained one year earlier when he was assaulted by an inmate attempting to escape from the holding cell in the city hall.
The inmate had escaped from the State Prison Farm near Leesburg, but had been recaptured by guards and placed in the Millville jail cell. Another escapee from the prison farm was able to slip a hacksaw blade to the prisoner through the window. The man then used the hacksaw blade to saw through the cell bars and escape. He immediately attacked Keeper Pedrick with a chair, causing severe internal injuries.
A firefighter who was in the city hall heard the commotion and was able to lock the outer door, preventing the man from escaping. The inmate was transferred to a more secure jail in Bridgeton. He was subsequently convicted of assaulting Keeper Pedrick and sentenced to 3-1/2 to seven years in prison.
Keeper Pedrick served a dual role as city hall janitor and jail keeper.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-248AF3E5- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Robert. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Keeper Pedrick served with the Millville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Millville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Keeper Pedrick.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Keeper Robert M. Pedrick 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 NJ, 264 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40.9% of this state's fallen. That is 13.3 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Millville Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert M. Pedrick's cause is highlighted.
How Robert M. Pedrick Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 7 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert M. Pedrick is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert M. Pedrick was killed by blunt object.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Millville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
