Corporal
Thomas Roberts
Mishawaka Police Department
Saturday, December 13, 2003

Age: 43
Served: 14 years
Badge #: 2054
Panel 6W, Line 24
Panel L29, Line 11

Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Gunfire
Date/Time of Incident:
Saturday, December 13, 2003
12:55 am
Incident to Death Duration:
Same day
Incident Location:
1012 Sarah Street, Mishawaka
Incident County:
St. Joseph
Incident Township:
Penn
Weapon Used:
9 mm handgun
Suspect Disposition:
Died by suicide
Burial Place:
Saint Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger

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   Corporal Thomas Roberts and Patrolman Bryan Verkler were shot and killed after they responded to a call of shots being fired on Battell Street.

   During a dispute with a neighbor, a man fired several rounds into the air prompting residents to call the police. When Corporal Roberts and Patrolman Verkler arrived, they were led to a house where the subject was hiding.

   The officers attempted to lure the subject out. When the man 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 St. Joseph Regional Medical Center where he died two hours later during surgery.

   The 30-year-old suspect subsequently died by suicide.

   Corporal Roberts was survived by two daughters and two brothers.

Historical Note

• This incident was one of 24 which resulted in the line of duty deaths of two officers.



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Corporal Thomas Roberts - Mishawaka Police Department - INLEM.org