Hero Police Officers Michael Agati and David Hozempa
Prevent a Suicide and Possible Homicides

Michael Agati

David Hozempa

by Kevin Caruso

At about 8:00 p.m. on May 13, 2004, Officers Michael Agati and David Hozempa of the Johnson City, New York, Police Department responded to a call concerning a suicidal man with several weapons.

The suicidal man, Dane Dixon, 53, was on the first floor of his home and three of his friends were on the upper floor.

"[Dixon] told officers he was going to kill himself or they were going to kill him, either way he wasn't coming out, they would have to come in and get him," said Stephen Korutz, chief of police.

An hour-long standoff ensued.

The officers were able to enter the home and ensure the safety of the three individuals on the upper level. They then began talking with Dixon, but he started to walk away.

Officers Agati and Hozempa followed him through the house and then outside to the driveway. It was there that Dixon turned around and pointed a loaded shotgun toward Officer Agati. Officer Hozempa then charged at Dixon, who then pointed the gun at him.

Officer Hozempa grabbed the barrel of the shotgun and then both officers wrestled him to the ground and subdued him.

"My training took over," Officer Hozempa said. "Everything happened in an instant."

"Because of their actions, these two officers are still alive and so is Mr. Dixon," said Chief Korutz.

Dixon had several shotguns, rifles, and knives in the house, as well as over 45,000 rounds of ammunition.

What could have been a horrible tragedy, with several deaths, ended up as an incident in which no rounds were fired and no one was injured.

Great work by two great police officers.

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If you or someone you know is suicidal, please go to the Home Page of this website for immediate help.

Thank you.

I love you.

Take care,

Kevin Caruso