Michigan officer dies in chase of robbery suspects
CROCKERY TOWNSHIP, Michigan — A Michigan police officer has been struck and killed by a car driven by two suspected bank robbers who were later shot to death in a shootout with police.
Officials say 41-year-old Walker Police officer Trevor Slot was laying down stop sticks Thursday along a Crockery Township roadway when he was hit. Stop sticks are designed to deflate tires.
Slot died at the scene, about 15 miles northwest of Grand Rapids.
Both men in the sport utility vehicle that hit him were killed a short time later after crashing and getting into a shootout with other officers. A shotgun and rifle were recovered.
State police and county sheriff's officers were chasing the men following a morning bank robbery. Speeds in the chase topped 100 mph.
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A memorial on the Officer Down Memorial Page — a website honoring police officers killed in the line of duty across the U.S. — filled Thursday afternoon with condolences for Trevor Slot’s family and the Walker Police Department.
One of the writers — Michelle Walker, of California — remembered Slot from Police Week 2006, when her husband’s name was put on the National National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial wall in Washington, D.C. Lt. Michael Walker was killed Dec. 31, 2005, in Contra Costa, Calif., while he was lighting flares and helping to slow traffic aiding a motorist.
Like Slot, Walker had two young daughters. Two Walker Police Department members served as honor guards at when Michael Walker was honored at Police Week 2006.
On the Officer Down page, Michelle Walker wrote:
“To the co-workers, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your brother. I will never, EVER forget to genuine kindness shown by two Walker PD honor guard officers to me and my young daughters at Police Week 2006, when my husband’s name was put on the Wall. Wishing all of you comfort during this difficult time.”
FULL COVERAGE: All latest details in death of Walker police officer, two Ravenna bank robbery suspects
Here are some of the other condolences posted on the site.
“Trevor: From our years as faithful sunday school kids to your recent years as a faithful serving and protecting member of the greater Grand Rapids area ... thank you. Your service to your community will not go unnoticed ... Rest in peace.-- Commander of Volunteer Police Chaplains, Fort Morgan Police Department, Colorado
"Kim and family, my heart breaks for you. Prayers of peace, comfort and strength be with you. From one officer’s wife to another, know that we as wives of officers will be lifting you up to our Almighty Father right now in continuous prayer. Your husband gave the ultimate sacrifice in his commitment to his community to “protect & serve”. He is a hero!"-- Carey Guernsey, wife of officer Ryan Guernsey, Kent County Sheriff’s Department
"Trevor, we will always remember you and the tremendous sacrifice you made to keep us all safe. Our prayers go out to your wife and children. The world was a better place because of you and we appreciate your dedication and service to the community. May you rest in peace."-- Assistant Prosecutor Scott Vander Kolk, Kent County Prosecutor’s office
"My thoughts are with Trevors family and all of the officers at the Walker Police Department. I worked with him and know he was a great officer as well as a good person. I know he will be missed by many. RIP Trevor."-- Christine Lund (Bender), former Walker police officer
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Slots family and friends. Although we are not in law enforcement our family extends our most sincere appreciation to all those who serve communities both near and far. Your dedication to serve the people of your communities is greatly appreciated and not recognized enough. Incidents of this nature are never understood but the legacy of all officers lost in the line of duty lives on forever in our hearts!"-- Citizen, Michigan
