Mishawaka Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch: Saturday, December 13, 2003
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 6 months
Badge Number: 20154
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 13, 2003
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Patrolman Bryan Verkler and Corporal Thomas Roberts were shot and killed after they responded to a call of shots being fired.
The suspect had a dispute with a neighbor, and during the dispute, he fired several rounds into the air prompting residents to call the police. When Patrolman Verkler and Corporal Roberts arrived, they were led to a house where the suspect was hiding.
The officers attempted to lure the suspect out. When the suspect exited the house, he opened fire on the officers, striking them both. A third officer was able to return fire and shot the suspect once. Corporal Roberts died at the scene, and Patrolman Verkler was transported to a local hospital, where he died two hours later during surgery.
The suspect subsequently committed suicide.
Patrolman Verkler served with the Mishawaka Police Department for 2½ years. He was survived by his wife.