Clinton Township Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Monday, February 19, 2001
Age: 54
Tour of Duty: 31 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 19, 2001
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed by other officers
Officer Richard Vauris was shot and killed after he and other officers responded to an unwanted person call in the 3400 block of Wallis Street.
The suspect had entered the townhouse of family members who feared he was suicidal. Officer Vauris, who had recently been assigned as a negotiator, and several officers were in the kitchen with the man when a struggle ensued. The subject gained control of Officer Vauris' service weapon and shot in the chest twice. Officer Vauris was not wearing a vest at the time.
Other officers in the room returned fire, killing the suspect.
Officer Vauris had served with the Clinton Township Police Department for four years after having retired from the Detroit Police Department as a 27-year veteran.