Police Officer Charles Joseph Bohlender, Jr.

Charles Joseph Bohlender, Jr.

Officer Charles (Joey) Bohlender and Officer Jeff Howey were killed at 0200 hours when their helicopter crashed while they were assisting ground officers during a burglary alarm at a home improvement store.

As the ground officers were inside searching the building, Officer Bohlender, the flight observer, and Officer Howey were circling overhead when the helicopter suddenly went into a spiral and crashed into an adjacent field, bursting into flames. The helicopter, a 1994 Schweizer 300 C, had approximately 5,600 hours of flying time.

Officer Bohlender had served with the Topeka Police Department for 9 years. He is survived by his wife, 4-year-old daughter, and 5-year-old son.