Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Henry Pohndorf succumbed to the gunshot wounds he received when he attempted to arrest a man who had just shot another man. Patrolman Pohndorf was on post near 420 Lenox Avenue, Manhattan, when he heard a gunshot come from that location. Patrolman Pohndorf ran to the location where he encountered the suspect, who opened fire, striking Patrolman Pohndorf in the neck. The suspect then jumped into a passing vehicle. Another patrolman gave chase, holding onto the running board of a taxi. The suspect fired at the patrolman, who returned fire. As the chase continued, the suspect fled on foot. A second patrolman joined the chase, and the suspect was captured after a fierce exchange of gunfire. Patrolman Pohndorf was removed to the hospital, where he died three days later from his wounds. The suspect, age 27, was acquitted of murder charged on the grounds that he was insane. He was remanded to Mattawan State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, where he died on April 19, 1954. Patrolman Pohndorf had served with the New York City Police Department for 15 years and was assigned to the 38th Precinct, the present-day 32nd Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-9E3F8A50- 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.
Patrolman Pohndorf gave the New York City Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Pohndorf.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Henry L. Pohndorf 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. Henry L. Pohndorf's cause is highlighted.
How Henry L. Pohndorf Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in mental hospital
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Henry L. Pohndorf is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Henry L. Pohndorf was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1,236 officers from New York City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
