In the winter of 2011, the community of Livonia, Michigan, was shaken by the loss of one of its own. Larry James Nehasil, a 48-year-old male police officer, died on January 17, 2011. A veteran of the Livonia Police Department for 20 years, he was known for his dedicated service and tireless work ethic. Prior to his time with the Livonia Police Department, he had also served with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.
He was a husband and a father of two.
On that fateful January evening, Officer Nehasil was part of a surveillance operation in Walled Lake, a city about ten miles from Livonia. He and his fellow officers were tracking two brothers who were suspects in a string of recent burglaries and home invasions in the area. The officers observed the two men breaking into a home. As the police moved in to make an arrest, one of the suspects fled on foot with Officer Nehasil in pursuit. The chase ended in a sudden and violent exchange of gunfire.
The suspect fired upon Officer Nehasil, striking him multiple times. Despite being mortally wounded, Officer Nehasil returned fire and killed the gunman. His actions that day were a testament to his courage and commitment to protecting the community. The second suspect was apprehended at the scene of the attempted burglary.
In the aftermath of the tragic event, the second brother was taken into custody. He was subsequently charged in connection with the crimes committed that day. He pleaded no contest to a charge of second-degree murder for his role in the events that led to Officer Nehasil's death. The court sentenced him to a term of 100 to 150 years in prison. The death of Officer Larry Nehasil marked a dark day for the Livonia Police Department, as he was the first officer in the department's history to be feloniously killed in the line of duty.
