Roll of Honor
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
BO-US-IN-ABF5D0C6- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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
Corporal James John Szuba is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 61.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Mishawaka Police Department, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James John Szuba's cause is highlighted.
How James John Szuba Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James John Szuba is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James John Szuba was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Mishawaka Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
