Police Officer James E. Meeks, Jr.

James E. Meeks, Jr.

Police Officer James Meeks was shot and killed while responding to a robbery in progress at the Hi-Lo Super Market at 3027 Bagley Avenue around 8:15 p.m. He and his partner were pulling into their precinct when they were dispatched to the call.

When the officers arrived at the scene, Officer Meeks exited the car and was immediately confronted by the armed suspect. Officer Meeks was able to shoot the suspect several times, but was fatally shot in the chest. The suspect, a convicted felon, was then shot and killed by the other officer as he reached for his weapon. The female accomplice was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Officer Meeks was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War and served with the Detroit Police Department for nine years, assigned to the Youth Bureau. He was awarded the Detroit Police Department Distinguished Medal of Valor posthumously. He was survived by his wife and two sons.