South Bend Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch: Sunday, August 24, 1997
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: 454
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 24, 1997
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Corporal Paul Deguch was shot and killed while questioning a suspect who was riding a bike in a high drug traffic area.
The suspect produced a handgun and shot Corporal Deguch several times, including once in the head, as he was being searched for weapons. Corporal Deguch was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds one hour later.
The 16-year-old suspect was arrested three hours later and charged with murder. On July 9, 1999, the suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Corporal Deguch had served with the South Bend Police Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife, a 2-month-old daughter, and two young sons.