Newark Police Division, New Jersey
End of Watch Tuesday, June 24, 2003
Add to My HeroesMelvin Lisojo
Officer Lisojo was killed in an automobile accident when his patrol car was broadsided by a driver that had run a red light at Bergen Street and 18th Avenue.
The driver of that vehicle was later found to be intoxicated. Officer Lisojo was the passenger in the second of three patrol cars responding to shots fired call at 0200 hours. As Officer Lisojo's patrol car entered the intersection, it was struck broadside, causing it to flip onto its side. Officer Lisojo and his partner were both transported to University Hospital in critical condition. Officer Lisojo succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
The 26-year-old driver of the vehicle that struck the patrol car was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, recklessly operating a vehicle, and driving while intoxicated. The suspect was also wanted on several outstanding warrants, including one for an incident earlier in the year when the suspect exchanged gunfire with several Newark Officers. In late 2005, the suspect accepted a plea agreement, and in January 2006, he was sentenced to 20 years, 15 years for vehicular homicide, and an additional five years on several drug counts. He was released on February 27, 2019.
Officer Lisojo had served with the Newark Police Department for five years. He is survived by his three children, parents, sister, and four brothers, one who also serves with the Newark Police Department.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 5 years
- Badge 2303
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
- Offender Released in 2019
Most Recent Reflection
View all 174 ReflectionsHey daddy, wow 20 years next month. Times has flown by but your absence still hurts and your memory is not forgotten. I’ve come so far and a lot has changed, I graduated college twice now and work in the medical field (I guess helping people runs in our blood). I have two beautiful children Delani(who frequently talks about you) and Jaiden(who talks about you but doesn’t really understand yet). Delani is 14 now and has been having a rough time lately she needs you to watch over her closely. She would’ve reminded you of me strong but stubborn. She sure is an amazing little women who I’m sure will change the world. Jaiden turns 8 next weekend and he just played on a youth baseball team and guess what his team name was “Mets”. It was bittersweet but also sad. At his games I look at the field and try to picture you there yelling “get your head in the game” or getting mad at the foolish plays, you were always so intense during sports. I wish you could have been here to watch Delani play volleyball (btw she is great at) and Jaiden play baseball (he doesn’t get it yet lol). I wonder how you would’ve been as a grandpa, I’m sure just as awesome as you were a father. I wish you could’ve met my partner we just celebrated our 10 year anniversary and you would’ve loved him. He is an amazing father like you and my backbone when it seems hard to stand up tall. I still wish we had more time but I understand that you were needed in heaven much more. Your smile and love still comfort me and your memory and legacy will live on forever. My kids already know that they have a hero in heaven and they call him grandpa. I’ll always be daddy’s little girl love you dad. Live it up in heaven with grandma and grandpa who you know always loved you so much. RIP.
Ashley Lisojo
Daughter
May 7, 2023
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