Police Officer Neil Keith Wells

Police Officer Neil Keith Wells

Detroit Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Wednesday, April 4, 2001

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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 that policed high-crime areas, serving 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

Most Recent Reflection

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Receiving you as my silent partner as a SPO of the 25-I class has been an honor, sir. You have unknowingly helped lay the foundation for the many officers after you and I promise it will not be in vain.

SPO Harper
Silent Partner

May 12, 2025

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