Chelsea Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Thursday, April 13, 2006
Age: 43
Tour of Duty: 19 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Aircraft accident
Date of Incident: April 13, 2006
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Chief Riley Scott Sumner and Reserve Officer Matthew Tuttle were killed in a helicopter accident in Scio Township while providing aerial support for officers who were involved in a foot pursuit.
The foot pursuit started during a traffic stop on I-94. Chief Sumner and Reserve Officer Matt Tuttle responded to the location in Reserve Officer Tuttle's personal helicopter to help track the suspect.
The helicopter crashed near the intersection of Staebler and Jackson Roads, killing the officers.
Chief Sumner had served as a sworn officer with the Chelsea Police Department for 19 years, and had served an additional 4 years as a dispatcher. He is survived by his wife and two sons.