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Incident
Patrolman James Lonchiadis was shot and killed when he interrupted an auto theft in progress at the Worcester City Motel on Route 9. The 16-year-old suspect was able to disarm Patrolman Lonchiadis at gunpoint and forced him into the trunk of his patrol car. The teen then fatally shot him in the chest as Patrolman Lonchiadis told him he had a wife and two kids while pleading for his life. The subject was arrested and sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled in 2008, but re-incarcerated in 2010 after being arrested for a parole violation. He was denied parole in January 2012. On February 4th, 2021, he was medically paroled. The parole board said he was suffering from throat cancer and COVID-19, and was not likely to live much longer. He died in a prison hospital in May 2021. Patrolman Lonchiadis had served with the Shrewsbury Police Department for nine months. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son, who became a member of the Shrewsbury Police Department in 1995. His son, Lieutenant Lonchiadis, was serving his 26th year with the Shrewsbury Police Department when his father's killer was paroled.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son, who became a member of the Shrewsbury Police Department in 1995.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Lonchiadis served with the Shrewsbury Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Shrewsbury community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Lonchiadis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Shrewsbury Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1975, 4 officers in MA were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1975, 163 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1975, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 28. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. James had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
James was 28. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 28. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 5.5% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Shrewsbury Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Shrewsbury Police Department are honored on badge.nw.