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Incident
Corporal James Szuba and his canine partner, Ricky, were killed when their squad car was struck while assisting with a pursuit.
At about 9:20 pm, Corporal Szuba was proceeding northbound on Byrkit Avenue as it turns into Fir Road when his squad car was sideswiped by a drunken driver being pursued by another officer. The suspect had swerved around a vehicle parked at the stoplight at McKinley Highway when he hit the oncoming squad car of Corporal Szuba and Ricky, who were both killed instantly.
The 31-year-old suspect, who had a blood-alcohol content nearly three times the legal limit, was on probation for an 18-month sentence for the delivery and manufacturing of marijuana. He was later convicted and sentenced to 32½ years for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death, resisting law enforcement, and possession of controlled substances. He was released in 2022.
Corporal Szuba had served with the Mishawaka Police Department for over 7½ years. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, mother, two brothers, and two sisters. His father and one brother retired from the South Bend Police Department. His son, also a K9 Hander, serves with the St. Joseph County Police Department, and his daughter is a police dispatcher.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, mother, two brothers, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Corporal Szuba gave the Mishawaka Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mishawaka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Corporal Szuba.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mishawaka Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2010, 2 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 2010, 80 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 84th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2010, 85 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 80th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 42. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 7.8 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 42. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 7.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 7.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 11% of these deaths in IN, more than any other month. Saturdays: 15.5%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Mishawaka Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 0.9% of these deaths.
His people
Mishawaka Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Mishawaka Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
