Allen County Sheriff's Department, Indiana
End of Watch: Friday, August 15, 1997
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 188
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 15, 1997
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Police Officer Eryk Heck was shot and killed, and another officer was shot and wounded after responding to a burglary in progress at a home off of Billy Drive.
While investigating the burglary at 1:30 am, the two officers discovered a truck parked on an abandoned railroad right of way off Till Road, approximately one mile from the home. As the officers watched the truck, the suspect appeared, and the second officer approached to question him. The suspect immediately opened fire, striking the second officer in the arm and knocking him to the ground.
Officer Heck then got in front of the wounded officer and returned fire before being shot in the neck, leg, and jaw. He was able to shoot and kill the suspect before succumbing to his injuries. Officer Heck was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Officer Heck had served with the Allen County Sheriff's Department for five years. He was survived by his wife, 11-month-old daughter, parents, and seven sisters. His mother had also served with the Allen County Sheriff's Department.
In 1999, State Road 3 between I-69 north to the county line was dedicated the Eryk T. Heck Memorial Highway in his honor.