Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Wednesday, April 4, 2001
Add to My HeroesNeil Keith Wells
Officer Neil Wells was shot and killed while he and other officers were investigating a complaint of drug dealing in a partially vacant apartment building at Cherrylawn and Ellsworth.
Officer Wells was in plain clothes and wearing a vest. As he searched the building, he encountered one of the suspects and was shot twice, once in the chest and once in the side, with an AK-47 rifle. At least one of the rounds bypassed his vest.
Three suspects were apprehended at the scene shortly after the shooting. The shooter was determined to have been released early from prison after using a false name. He was apprehended after murdering Officer Wells and sentenced to 62 to 92 years for the murder.
Officer Wells was a member of a unit that policed high-crime areas, serving with the Detroit Police Department for 14 years. He is survived by a teenage son and a teenage daughter.
Bio
- Age 41
- Tour 14 years
- Badge 3430
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; AK-47
- Offender Sentenced to 92 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 70 ReflectionsTo the family of Officer Neil Wells, my name is Zackeus Taylor, I’m a student police officer with the Detroit police department and I have been given the honor of carrying Officer Wells as my silent partner.
Though I did not know Officer Wells, I have complete respect and admiration for his service to the city of Detroit. Officer Wells is a hero, and he inspires me to become a great police officer.
I will do my best to carry the memory of Officer Wells with great honor.
I offer my condolences for your families’ loss, and you have my continuous support.
SPO Taylor
Class 2023-F
April 12, 2023
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