On May 5, 1979, 28-year-old Cincinnati police officer Melvin L. Mel Henze was shot and killed while pursuing a suspect. Henze, a Vietnam War veteran who had served with the department for eight years, was chasing Percy Wilson, wanted for felonious assault. As Henze followed in his patrol car, Wilson ran on foot and ambushed him in an alley at 1025 Naeher Street, shooting him multiple times through the open car window.

Responding officers apprehended Wilson shortly after the shooting. Officer Henze was survived by his 5-year-old daughter and his parents. The killing occurred during a particularly deadly year for the Cincinnati Police Department and prompted changes to department safety practices, including a two-patrol policy.

If anyone has memories of Officer Henze, the scene at 1025 Naeher Street, or information about that night, please share what you know.