Patrolman John A. Stenzel

John A. Stenzel

Patrolman Stenzel was accidentally shot and killed by a civilian who mistook the officer for a burglar.

Patrolman Stenzel had been checking doors in an alley behind a row of businesses just after 1 a.m. when he shook the door handle at the rear of Freddies Donut Shop at 421 3rd Street. The manager and an employee of the business awakened. They mistook Patrolman Stenzel for a burglar and both opened fire, killing him.

Patrolman Stenzel was survived by his wife and son, who also served as a Patrolman for the Niagara Falls Police Department.