Police Officer Michael Scott Nickerson

Michael Scott Nickerson

Police Officer Michael Nickerson and Deputy Jason Schwenz were shot and killed after responding to a noise complaint.

The two officers and a state trooper had responded to the complaint and had been given permission to enter the mobile home by the suspect's mother, who lived across the street. The officers were in a screened in porch and had identified themselves when the suspect told them not to come in or they would get hurt. When the officers opened the door, the suspect opened fire with a shotgun, striking Deputy Schwenz and Officer Nickerson.

The state trooper dragged Officer Nickerson off of the porch and was attempting to revive him when the suspect attacked him. The trooper was able to overpower the suspect and place him under arrest. Officer Nickerson was transported to a trauma center where he succumbed to his injuries approximately one hour later.

The suspect was found guilty of two counts of first degree murder, and one count of attempted murder on May 24, 2002, and sentenced to death. He was also sentenced to life without parole for the attempted murder of the state trooper. The suspect died in prison on November 17, 2002.

Officer Nickerson is the first Centreville officer to be killed in the line of duty. He had been employed with the agency for one month after leaving a nearby agency. He is survived by his parents and two brothers.