Roll of Honor
John Williamson
Incident
Police Officer John Williamson was killed when he was struck with a 30-pound bucket of spackling compound that was thrown off of the roof of a six-story building at 501 W. 175th Street. He had responded to the scene to assist other officers who were being attacked by several area residents. He was entering his patrol car to leave the scene when he was struck. The suspect fled to the Dominican Republic where he was arrested. He was extradited back to New York and charged with Officer Williamson's murder. He was found guilty of a lesser charge of manslaughter and sentenced to five to 15 years in prison. Officer Williamson had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his fiancee, parents, and siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-58A757ED- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Williamson gave the New York City Housing Authority Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Williamson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer John Williamson 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 Housing Authority Police Department, 13 of 19 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 68.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Williamson's cause is highlighted.
How John Williamson Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 5 - 15 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Williamson is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Williamson was killed by blunt object.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
18 officers from New York City Housing Authority Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
