Deputy Sheriff Michael Allen Van Kuren, Bradford County Sheriff's Office, Pennsylvania

Deputy Sheriff Michael Allen Van Kuren

Bradford County Sheriff's Office, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Wednesday, March 31, 2004

Michael Allen Van Kuren

Deputy Michael Van Kuren and Deputy Christopher Burgert were shot and killed as they attempted to serve a warrant.

The two deputies responded to a private residence in Wells Township to serve an arrest warrant on a man for failing to appear in court to answer a minor charge. When the deputies arrived at the location, they were both shot and killed. Both officers were wearing their bullet-resistant vests, but were stuck in an area that was not protected by the vest.

Two family members of the suspect were taken into custody at the scene. The suspect and another man who was at the scene during the incident fled. Both men were apprehended during a two day manhunt. The shooter was convicted of murdering both deputies and sentenced to death.

Deputy Van Kuren had served with the Bradford County Sheriff's Department for 10 years, and is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Bio

Age 36
Tour 10 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to death

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I am visiting Towanda and recently learned of Deputy Van Kuren's death in 2004. I am very sad to know this and am sending my condolences to the family of Michael Van Kuren. We are related but probably very distantly. My grandparents were Harry A. and Ethlyn Van Kuren who lived in Bradford County the entire lives; my father was Aubrey H. Van Kuren and my mother was Anita G. Van Kuren. I took a photo of the beautiful memorial tribute in the City of Towanda.

Jane Vankuren
relative

August 9, 2018