John M. Bonin

Detective Sergeant

Meriden

End of Watch: 6/12/1922

Detective Sergeant John M. Bonin age 51, a 21-year veteran was investigating the welfare of a female juvenile. He observed three juveniles and the female juvenile in a wooded area and as he approached the juveniles fled. Detective Bonin gave pursuit and collapsed and died.

On June12, 1922, Meriden Police Department Detective Sergeant John M. Bonin, age 51, died in the line of duty while in pursuing three juveniles through the Bradley Woods off of Hanover Street. Detective Sergeant Bonin had observed the three juveniles in the woods, including the juvenile girl, whose father had previously called the police expressing concerns about her being missing. Detective Sergeant Bonin walked into the wooded area and as he approached the juveniles they fled and he began to chase after them. Detective Sergeant Bonin collapsed and suffered a fatal heart attack. Detective Sergeant Bonin’s body was found by fellow officers after he failed to return to the police station.