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Incident
Corporal Thomas Roberts and Patrolman Bryan Verkler 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 Corporal Roberts and Patrolman Verkler 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.
Corporal Roberts had served with the Mishawaka Police Department for 14 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Roberts gave the Mishawaka Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mishawaka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Corporal Roberts.
— 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.
Thomas is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas 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 2003, 3 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 2003, 64 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2003, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 43. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Thomas was 43. 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. Thomas had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 14 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Saturdays: 15.5%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. 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 handgun, 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 handgun, in 26.8% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Mishawaka Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-W
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.
