Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Thursday, February 17, 1949
Add to My HeroesDavid I. Bergum
Officer David Bergum was shot and killed while questioning a suspicious person at Ash Street near 17th Street around 4:15 a.m. His partner was shot and wounded.
The 19-year-old suspect, who had just finished serving a robbery term and was the son of a policeman, escaped but was later caught and arrested at a friend's home. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On November 18, 1953, he stabbed and seriously wounded a fellow inmate, and then tried unsuccessfully to take his own life. He was still in prison in 1967.
Officer Bergum had been with the agency for five years and was survived by his expectant wife, son, and daughter. He was a World War II Veteran. He served in the Burma-China-India Theater.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 5 years
- Badge 195
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 6 ReflectionsRest in peace and Olav Hashalom Officer Bergum. A real Motor City Hero!
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 17, 2018
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