Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Thursday, February 17, 1949
Add to My HeroesDavid I. Bergum
Police Officer David Bergum was shot and killed while questioning a suspicious person at Ash Street near 17th Street around 4:15 a.m. His partner was shot and wounded.
The 19-year-old suspect, who had just finished serving a robbery term and was the son of a former policeman, escaped but was later caught and arrested at a friend's home. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On November 18, 1953, he stabbed and seriously wounded a fellow inmate and then tried unsuccessfully to take his own life. He was still in prison in 1967.
Officer Bergum was a United States Army WWII veteran and had served with the Detroit Police Department for five years. He was survived by his expectant wife, son, and daughter.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 5 years
- Badge 195
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsOfficer Bergum,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army in the CBI fighting the Japanese during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
February 17, 2024
