Grand Rapids Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Sunday, January 19, 1969
Age: 21
Tour of Duty: 11 months
Badge Number: 235
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 19, 1969
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Police Officer Wayne Vonk was shot and killed when he stopped two armed robbery suspects at the intersection of 4th Street and Stocking Avenue.
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 passenger exited the vehicle as it stopped 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, both in their mid-twenties, fled the scene but were apprehended minutes later. Both suspects were sentenced to life. One died in prison in August of 2017. As of October 4, 2022, the other suspect was still in prison.
Officer Vonk had served with the Grand Rapids Police Department for 11 months. He is survived by his mother, sister, and brother.