Detective Arthur DeMarrais died after being bitten by a man he was attempting to arrest.
He was on duty and directed to respond to 950 Clinton Avenue, Brooklyn, where a man was attempting to assault a woman with a metal pipe. Upon arriving at the location, Detective DeMarrais attempted to arrest the suspect. As they struggled, the suspect tried to gain control of the detective’s gun and bit him several times about the body and face. Detective DeMarrais was able to reach his gun and shot the suspect, wounding him.
Detective DeMarrais was taken to Brooklyn Hospital where he died while in surgery.
He was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department’s Medal of Honor for his actions.
Detective DeMarrais had served with the New York City Police Department for 17 years and was assigned to the 88th Detective Squad. He was survived by his wife and five children.