Duty Death: Larry Nehasil - [Livona]
Officer Larry Nehasil last night became the first law enforcer from the southeastern Michigan town of Livonia to be shot and killed in the line of duty. According to the local FOX-TV news station, Livonia Police Chief Robert Stevenson said during a news conference that the 48-year-old officer was killed in a shootout around 1800 hours local time Monday in a place called Walled Lake, located about 10 miles north-northwest of Livonia.
According to Police1 sources, Nehasil was conducting surveillance on two suspects who were reportedly attempting a break-in on a home — it is believed that these same suspects were also sought in connection with a number of recent home burglary crimes committed in Livonia.
Gunfire then erupted, and Officer Nehasil and one of the suspects were killed. The second suspect was taken into custody.
Nehasil was a 20-year veteran of the suburban Detroit police agency, and had previously served with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.
Chief Stevenson reportedly said during the press conference late Monday that Nehasil is the first officer to be feloniously murdered in the history of the Livonia police department. According to that FOX-TV report, Stevenson said an officer had died in a traffic accident in the 1950s.
On the Livonia PD website, the department stated that Nehasil was married with two children.
“His family is obviously devastated by their loss and we ask you to join us in prayer for them in their time of need. Larry will be remembered by his smile and his hard work ethic, and he will be missed by all his co-workers,” the statement read.
No funeral arrangements have been made, but the agency contact information is below:
Livonia Police Department
15050 Farmington Road
Livonia, MI 48154
