Police Officer Wayne Vonk
Grand Rapids Police Department
Michigan
End of Watch: Sunday, January 19, 1969

Biographical Info
Age: 21
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Sunday, January 19, 1969
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Not available

Officer Vonk was shot and killed when he stopped two armed robbery suspects. While on patrol a store owner flagged him down and informed him that he had just been robbed. He provided Officer Vonk with a description of the suspects and direction they fled. Officer Vonk gave chase and caught up to the vehicle. The vehicle stopped and the passenger exited and approached Officer Vonk with a pistol. Officer Vonk drew his weapon as he struck the suspect. During the ensuing struggle Officer Vonk was shot and mortally wounded. He was able to return to his patrol car and call for help. The suspects fled the scene but were apprehended minutes later. Both suspects were sentenced to life.

Officer Vonk had been with the agency for one year and was survived by his mother, sister, and brother.