John R. Melendez

Sergeant John Melendez succumbed to injuries he received in an automobile crash while responding to backup another officer on a traffic stop. As he drove down a downgrade on the Haulove Inlet Bridge on Collins Avenue near Haulover Beach, he swerved to avoid hitting a car. His patrol vehicle went out of control and flipped several times. Officer Melendez's seatbelt malfunctioned, and the buckle broke, causing him to be ejected from the vehicle. He was transported to Parkway Regional Medical Center where he died two days later. The driver they were pursuing was apprehended and charged with speeding, fleeing a police officer, and reckless driving. Sergeant Melendez was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Bal Harbour Police Department for five weeks and previously served as a reserve officer with the Biscayne Park Police Department. He is survived by his wife and two sons. Sergeant Melendez was posthumously promoted.