Milan Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Monday, February 4, 1991
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: 8
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 4, 1991
Weapon Used: Rifle; AK-47
Suspect Info: Committed to state hospital
Police Officer Steven Reuther was shot and killed when he was ambushed at the police station at 35 Neckel Court as he arrived to begin his shift.
The subject had been waiting outside the police station for approximately 45 minutes. As Officer Reuther drove into the parking lot, the subject pulled in behind him and parked several spots away from him. When Officer Reuther started walking into the police station, the man opened fire with an AK-47 rifle, striking him in the back of the head and killing him instantly.
The man fled the scene but returned eight minutes later and turned himself into the chief of police.
The man was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a state mental hospital.
Officer Reuther had served with the Milan Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.