Chief of Police Thomas Elroy Buntrock
Mequon Police Department
Wisconsin
End of Watch: Sunday, December 2, 1979

Biographical Info
Age: 43
Tour of Duty: 19 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Accidental)
Date of Incident: Sunday, December 2, 1979
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Not available

Chief Buntrock was accidentally shot and killed by a another officer following an armed robbery and hostage situation. The robbery suspect fled into a home where he took a man and infant child hostage. Chief Buntrock was able to negotiate the release of the hostages in exchange for taking the Chief hostage.

The suspect and Chief Buntrock moved to an automobile with Chief Buntrock in the driver's seat and the suspect in the rear seat. The vehicle remained in the same place and as it became dark out, Chief Buntrock lunged into the rear seat and was able to subdue the suspect and disarm him. As Chief Buntrock emerged from the vehicle one of the officers mistook him for the suspect and opened fire, fatally wounding him.

Chief Buntrock had been with the agency for 19 years.

Chief Buntrock was survived by his wife and four sons.