Bio & Incident Details
Age: 27
Tour: 2 years, 6 months
Badge # 20154
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 12/13/2003
Weapon: Handgun
Suspect: Committed suicide
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Patrolman Bryan Verkler and Corporal Thomas Roberts were shot and killed after they responded to a call of shots being fired.
The suspect had a dispute with a neighbor, and during the dispute, he fired several rounds into the air prompting residents to call the police. When Patrolman Verkler and Corporal Roberts arrived, they were led to a house where the suspect was hiding.
The officers attempted to lure the suspect out. When the suspect exited the house, he opened fire on the officers, striking them both. A third officer was able to return fire and shot the suspect once. Corporal Roberts died at the scene and Patrolman Verkler was transported to a local hospital where he died two hours later during surgery.
The suspect subsequently committed suicide.
Patrolman Verkler has served with the Mishawaka Police Department for 2½ years. He was survived by his wife.
Related Line of Duty Deaths
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Corporal Thomas Roberts |
