Roll of Honor
Incident
Captain Joseph Zimmerman and Patrolman George Spencer were both shot and killed by an intoxicated man on Franklin Street while taking two women to the police station for questioning.
After fleeing the scene, the suspect fatally shot himself a short time later.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-AD958285- 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.
Captain Zimmerman served with the Michigan City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Michigan City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Zimmerman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Captain Joseph O. Zimmerman 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 Michigan City Police Department, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Joseph O. Zimmerman's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph O. Zimmerman Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph O. Zimmerman is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph O. Zimmerman was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Michigan City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
