Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Bryan Verkler and Corporal Thomas Roberts were shot and killed after they responded to a call of shots being fired on Battell Street in Mishawaka.
The suspect had a dispute with a neighbor, and during the dispute, he fired several rounds into the air, prompting residents to call the police. When Patrolman Verkler and Corporal Roberts arrived around 1:00 a.m., they were led to a house on Sarah Street where the suspect was hiding.
The officers attempted to lure the suspect out. When the suspect 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 a local hospital, where he died two hours later during surgery.
The suspect subsequently committed suicide.
Patrolman Verkler served with the Mishawaka Police Department for 2½ years. Survivors include his wife, parents, and brother. His father and brother also served in law enforcement.
Survivors
Survivors include his wife, parents, and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-12A75436- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Verkler gave the Mishawaka Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mishawaka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Verkler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Bryan Scott Verkler is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 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 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
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. Bryan Scott Verkler's cause is highlighted.
How Bryan Scott Verkler Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Bryan Scott Verkler is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Bryan Scott Verkler was killed by handgun; 9 mm.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Mishawaka Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
