Roll of Honor
Incident
Agent Octoniel Torres-Melendez was shot and killed while off duty while attempting to help his friend locate a stolen vehicle in the Pedro Ramos community in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Four subjects opened fire on Agent Torres-Melendez's vehicle, fatally wounding him. His friend was able to escape uninjured and called police. Four men were arrested the following week but were later released due to a lack of evidence. Agent Torres-Melendez had served with the Puerto Rico Police Department for 2-1/2 years and was assigned to the 382nd West Hato Rey Precinct.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents and fiancee.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PR-C20C9E78- 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.
Agent Torres-Melendez gave the Puerto Rico Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the San Juan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Agent Torres-Melendez.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Agent Octoniel Torres-Melendez 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 127, 294 of 388 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75.8% of this state's fallen. That is 21.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Puerto Rico Police Department, 279 of 364 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Octoniel Torres-Melendez's cause is highlighted.
How Octoniel Torres-Melendez Compares
Offender Outcome
At large
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Octoniel Torres-Melendez is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Octoniel Torres-Melendez was killed by handgun; .357 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
363 officers from Puerto Rico Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
