Bio & Incident Details
Age: 37
Tour: 11 years
Badge # 6
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 10/29/1961
Weapon: Handgun; .25 caliber
Suspect: Sentenced to life plus 20 years
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Patrolman Nick Klaske was shot and killed after responding to a burglary call at a local gas station. When he arrived he surprised three suspects in the act of robbery and engaged the suspects in a foot pursuit, during which one of the suspects suddenly turned and opened fire with a .25 caliber handgun, striking Patrolman Klaske in the abdomen. Patrolman Klaske succumbed to his wounds two days later.
The suspects were captured near Sun Prairie in Dane County a short time later after a 70 mile high speed chase. The suspect who killed Patrolman Klaske was convicted of his murder and burglary and sentenced to life plus 20 years in prison. The other suspects were convicted of second degree murder and burglary and sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Patrolman Klaske had served with the agency for 11 years and was survived by his expectant wife and three children.
