From Mishawaka, Indiana, approximately 15 miles from where I live.

At approximately 1:00am on Saturday morning, Mishawaka police recieved a complaint of a man who had fired a gun inside of a home during an argument over a necklace he had just stolen from an acquaintance. By the time officers got to the home, the suspect had fled the scene, but witnesses saw where ehe went and directed officers there. Corporal Tom Roberts and Patrolman Bryan Verkler went to the home where they encountered the suspect, Raymond Gilkeson. It is unclear what exactly happened, but within seconds or minutes shots were fired.

Corporal Roberts was killed. Patrolman Verkler died approximately 3 hours later in surgery.

Gilkeson was wounded, and fled to another house, which he entered and sat at the kitchen table. Gilkeson told the residents to leave, and as they exited they watched as Gilkeson shot himself once in the head.

Corporal Roberts, a 14 year veteran, is survived by his ex-wife and two adult daughters. Patrolman Verkler, a 2 year veteran, is survived by his wife.

Think of my brothers this holiday season, and remember them the next time you see a police officer in your town. We face this possibility every day. We do it for you.