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Incident
Patrolman Michael Melchiona was shot and killed during a foot pursuit. Patrolman Melchiona was on foot patrol when he encountered a suspect in the bathroom at the IRT station at 50th and Broadway. The suspect was smoking a cigarette. Patrolman Melchiona asked the suspect for identification with the intention of issuing him a summons for smoking in the transit system. The suspect pulled a .22 caliber handgun and held it to Patrolman Melchiona's head, ordering him to walk out of the bathroom. When they exited the bathroom, the suspect had Patrolman Melchiona lie down. The suspect then disarmed him. The suspect then fled with Patrolman Melchiona in pursuit. Another Patrolman saw the suspect fleeing on foot and joined the pursuit. The suspect jumped into a cab and ordered the driver to drive. Patrolman Melchiona continued to chase the suspect on foot. The suspect then pointed his gun out the window of the cab and fired, hitting Patrolman Melchiona in the neck and killing him. The other Patrolman continued the chase and fired multiple shots at the fleeing taxi cab, killing the suspect. Officer Melchiona had served with the New York City Transit Police Department for four years and was assigned to Transit District 1.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two young children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Melchiona gave the New York City Transit Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Melchiona.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
New York City Transit Police Department has lost 14 officers; 11 of them killed feloniously.
Michael is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1970, 1 officer at New York City Transit Police Department was killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 8 years on record. The heaviest was 1980, with 3.
In 1970, 11 officers in NY were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1970, 138 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1970, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 29. Of the 11 killed feloniously at New York City Transit Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 33.5 and 38.5; the middle age was 36. Michael had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Michael was 29. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35. Michael had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Michael was 29. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 29. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 27.3% of these deaths at New York City Transit Police Department; June holds the most, 36.4%. Saturdays: 27.3%.
February holds 8% of these deaths in NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Saturdays: 14.5%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 78.6% of all 14 deaths at New York City Transit Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 36.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 21.5% 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 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
New York City Transit Police Department has 14 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
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John Tuohy
Mar 20, 1963
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Lloyd Herman Innes
Jun 16, 1967
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Michael Melchiona
Feb 28, 1970
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John M Skagen
Jun 28, 1972
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Sidney L. Thompson
Jun 5, 1973
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George Caccavale
Jun 26, 1976
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Carlos King
Dec 20, 1976
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Seraphin Calabrese
Feb 24, 1980
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Irving W. Smith
Feb 29, 1980
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Joseph Keegan
Jun 19, 1980
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Joseph Hamperian
Sep 22, 1983
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Irma Fran Lozada
Sep 21, 1984
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Robert Venable
Sep 22, 1987
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William T. Martin
Apr 9, 2011
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 21-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
13 officers from New York City Transit Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
