Roseville Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Thursday, November 5, 1987
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 24 years
Badge Number: 50
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: November 5, 1987
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Patrolman Albert DeSmet was killed when his patrol car was struck during a high-speed pursuit.
Clinton Township Police were pursuing a vehicle traveling into Roseville after the driver had rammed and hit two vehicles. Patrolman DeSmet and his partner activated their emergency lights and pulled onto the southbound lanes of Gratiot when the vehicle struck them from behind. The patrol car slid into the median, and the driver continued to drive until he crashed at the intersection on 12 Mile Road.
The driver of the vehicle was found not guilty by reason of insanity and released after being committed to a state hospital for four years.
Patrolman DeSmet had served with the Roseville Police Department for 24 years. He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.