Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Melvin Hopkins was shot and killed while taking action during a robbery at the intersection of Nostrand Avenue and Atlantic Avenue, in Bedford-Stuyvesant, while off duty. Officer Hopkins was waiting in front of a liquor store owned by his uncle as the store closed for the night. A man attempted to gain entry, and Officer Hopkins told the man the store was closed. The man then produced a handgun. Officer Hopkins and the suspect exchanged shots, and Officer Hopkins was mortally wounded. As Officer Hopkins lay wounded on the ground, the suspect stole his service weapon and fled. Earlier Officer Hopkins assisted the bartender of a bar across the street eject the suspect along with sever other troublemakers who were with the suspect when he shot Officer Hopkins. The suspect, 21, was apprehended several days later and charged with murder. On July 8, 1980, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He was paroled on December 26, 2019. Officer Hopkins had served with the New York City Police Department for ten years and was assigned to the 77th Precinct. He had previously served three tours of duty with the United States Army in Vietnam.
Survivors
Officer Hopkins was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-568F2EE6- 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.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Police Officer Hopkins gave the New York City Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Melvin E. Hopkins served in the Army (1966â1969) before joining law enforcement.
Police Officer Melvin E. Hopkins 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.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Melvin E. Hopkins's cause is highlighted.
How Melvin E. Hopkins Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 2019
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Melvin E. Hopkins is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Melvin E. Hopkins was killed by handgun; .25 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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