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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Nick Weist was struck and killed by a vehicle as he deployed spike strips during a vehicle pursuit of an armed subject.
Officers from the Galesburg Police Department had responded to a call involving an armed subject at a local gas station at about 8:00 am. The man fled in a vehicle, and the Galesburg officers initiated a pursuit. Deputy Weist was deploying spike strips on U.S. Route 150 at N 150th Avenue in Henry County when the vehicle struck him. The subject's vehicle then crashed into a field, and he was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.
The man was charged with two counts of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and aggravated fleeing and eluding. In 2023, the suspect pleaded guilty to one count each of felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated fleeing, and improper traffic lane usage. In 2025, he was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Deputy Weist had served with the Knox County Sheriff's Office for four years and previously served with the Mercer County Sheriff's Department and the Aledo Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two children, mother, father, and sister.
In Our Keeping
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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.
Deputy Sheriff Weist gave the Knox County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Galesburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Weist.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Nicholas is the only officer of Knox County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Nicholas is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Nicholas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Nicholas is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2022, 1 officer in IL was killed feloniously, the 123rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 2022, 79 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 86th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2022, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Nicholas was 34. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Nicholas had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Nicholas was 34. 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. Nicholas had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Nicholas was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Nicholas had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 9.5% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Fridays: 14.6%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Knox County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 3.7% 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, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Knox County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.