Police Officer Bruce VanderJagt, Denver Police Department, Colorado

Police Officer Bruce VanderJagt

Denver Police Department, Colorado

End of Watch Wednesday, November 12, 1997

Bruce VanderJagt

Officer Bruce VanderJagt was shot and killed while assisting another agency in an attempt to apprehend burglary suspects they had chased for 30 miles into Denver. As Officer VanderJagt was approaching the apartment the suspect opened fire on him with a fully automatic SKS rifle and he was struck several times in the head and torso. He was pronounced dead at 3:58 pm at Denver Medical Health Center.

The suspect was found dead at approximately 4:30 pm from a self-inflicted gunshot wound from Officer VanderJagt's weapon. The initial suspect who committed the burglary, which eventually led to Officer VanderJagt's murder, was sentenced to life in prison for her role but was later released to a halfway house.

He is survived by his wife and two year old daughter.

Bio

Age 47
Tour 11 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; SKS
Offender Committed suicide

burglary, foot pursuit

Most Recent Reflection

View all 193 Reflections

My daughter went to Cimmeron Elementary and was in your wife’s class.
I remember watching the new and my heart breaking for your family.
The school had a bench out side in your honor and many time I sat and prayed for your family.
I believe that when our love ones leave us to the other side they become our angles,
watching over us

Lisa

January 30, 2018