Bio & Incident Details
Age: 21
Tour: 1 year
Badge # Not available
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 1/19/1969
Weapon: Handgun
Suspect: Not available
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Officer Wayne Vonk was shot and killed when he stopped two armed robbery suspects.
While on patrol a store owner flagged him down and informed him that he had just been robbed. He provided Officer Vonk with a description of the suspects and direction they fled. Officer Vonk gave chase and caught up to the vehicle. The vehicle stopped and the passenger exited and approached Officer Vonk with a pistol.
Officer Vonk drew his weapon as he struck the suspect. During the ensuing struggle Officer Vonk was shot and mortally wounded. He was able to return to his patrol car and call for help.
The suspects fled the scene but were apprehended minutes later. Both suspects were sentenced to life.
Officer Vonk had served with the Grand Rapids Police Department for one year. He is survived by his mother, sister, and brother.
