Michigan Officer Killed by Suicidal Suspect

A Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer responding to a shots-fired call was shot and killed when he confronted a fleeing suspect between two houses.

April 18, 2011

A Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer responding to a shots-fired call was shot and killed when he confronted a fleeing suspect between two houses.

Officer Eric Zapata, 35, is a 10-year law enforcement veteran with three children. He's the first officer with this department killed in the line of duty.

Officer Zapata was killed Monday evening, when he and a second officer responded to a shots fired call in the 1400 block of Hays Park Avenue. The second officer came into contact with Leonard Statler, the 31-year-old owner of the home, and asked the man if he has heard shots.

Statler ran and was met with Officer Zapata between the homes. He apparently shot the officer in the chest and head, before committing suicide.

Read the full story at MLive.com.

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