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Incident
Police Officer Steven Reuther was shot and killed when he was ambushed at the police station at 35 Neckel Court as he arrived to begin his shift. The subject had been waiting outside the police station for approximately 45 minutes. As Officer Reuther drove into the parking lot, the subject pulled in behind him and parked several spots away from him. When Officer Reuther started walking into the police station, the man opened fire with an AK-47 rifle, striking him in the back of the head and killing him instantly. The man fled the scene but returned eight minutes later and turned himself into the chief of police. The man was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a state mental hospital. Officer Reuther had served with the Milan Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 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.
Police Officer Reuther gave the Milan Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Milan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Reuther.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Steven is the only officer of Milan Police Department remembered here.
Steven is one of 415 officers killed feloniously in MI, 59% of the 703 remembered there.
Steven is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Steven 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 1991, 6 officers in MI were killed feloniously, the 17th heaviest of 124 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 14.
In 1991, 85 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 76th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1991, 98 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 65th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Steven was 32. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35. Steven had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Steven was 32. 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. Steven had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Steven was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Steven had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6% of these deaths in MI; December holds the most, 12.3%. Mondays: 14.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Milan Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.5% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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