Police Officer Neil Keith Wells, Detroit Police Department, Michigan

Police Officer Neil Keith Wells

Detroit Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Wednesday, April 4, 2001

Neil Keith Wells

Officer Neil Wells was shot and killed while he and other officers were investigating a complaint of drug dealing in a partially vacant apartment building at Cherrylawn and Ellsworth.

Officer Wells was in plain clothes and wearing a vest. As he searched the building, he encountered one of the suspects and was shot twice, once in the chest and once in the side, with an AK-47 rifle. At least one of the rounds bypassed his vest.

Three suspects were apprehended at the scene shortly after the shooting. The shooter was determined to have been released early from prison after using a false name. He was apprehended after murdering Officer Wells and sentenced to 62 to 92 years for the murder.

Officer Wells was a member of a unit which policed high-crime areas. He had been employed with the Detroit Police Department for 14 years. He is survived by a teenage son and a teenage daughter.

Bio

Age 41
Tour 14 years
Badge 3430

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; AK-47
Offender Sentenced to 92 years

narcotics, plainclothes

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Most Recent Reflection

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To Neil’s family, I wanted to tell you that Neil’s not forgotten, and never will be. I dreadfully remember his funeral, and pray that God’s shone light unto your lives. Neil was a man amongst men when we worked alongside him! Neil’s death was tragic, and his brothers will always remember his service & sacrifice. Salute.

P.O. (Retired Now)
Detroit

June 4, 2018