Mishawaka Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch Saturday, December 13, 2003
Add to My HeroesBryan Scott Verkler
Patrolman Bryan Verkler and Corporal Thomas Roberts were shot and killed after they responded to a call of shots being fired.
The suspect had a dispute with a neighbor, and during the dispute, he fired several rounds into the air prompting residents to call the police. When Patrolman Verkler and Corporal Roberts arrived, they were led to a house where the suspect was hiding.
The officers attempted to lure the suspect out. When the suspect exited the house, he opened fire on the officers, striking them both. A third officer was able to return fire and shot the suspect once. Corporal Roberts died at the scene and Patrolman Verkler was transported to a local hospital where he died two hours later during surgery.
The suspect subsequently committed suicide.
Patrolman Verkler has served with the Mishawaka Police Department for 2½ years. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 2 years, 6 months
- Badge 20154
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 1,026 ReflectionsBryan,
It is hard to describe everything that has happened in the last 18 years. First of all, I know you have seen & watched over all of us, so I am grateful & thankful that love transcends death. The night that you were taken from us is one I would rather not remember, but of course it is impossible to forget. Our lives, as we knew them, were irrevocably shaken to an absolute standstill. Every hope, every dream, & everything that we dreamt of was gone in seconds. Instead of focusing on the violence, the loss & the grief, I have made the choice over the years to totally rebuild myself, my life & to make it the best that I can. I think I’m probably doing better than what everyone predicted after you died. That isn’t the most important part though….the most important part is that no matter what anyone says, does, or thinks, I will continue to do what I’ve always done best…I’ll love, honor & continue to uphold your memory…ALWAYS & FOREVER.
Love,
Juli
December 13, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Senior Corrections Officer Daniel Sincavage
New Jersey Department of Corrections, NJ
EOW: May 19, 2022

Border Patrol Agent Daniel Salazar
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: May 17, 2022

Chief Deputy Sheriff Jody Wayne Cash
Calloway County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: May 16, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Walter Donald Jenkins, Jr.
Rockdale County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: May 11, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Robert Adam Howard
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: May 11, 2022

Patrol Officer Brian Lee Sember
Ottawa Police Department, IL
EOW: April 3, 2022

Sergeant Nicholas W. Tullier
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: May 5, 2022

Police Officer Darryl Wayne Fortner
Vestavia Hills Police Department, AL
EOW: April 6, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Nicholas D. Weist
Knox County Sheriff's Office, IL
EOW: April 29, 2022