On the night of February 19, 2001, Richard L. Vauris, a 54-year-old male police officer with the Clinton Township Police Department, responded to a call on Wallis Street. Family members at a townhouse were concerned that a relative was suicidal and had requested police assistance. Vauris, who had recently been assigned as a negotiator, entered the residence with several other officers to speak with the man in the kitchen.
A struggle ensued between the officers and the distressed man.
During the altercation, the individual managed to gain control of Officer Vauris's service weapon. He then shot Vauris twice in the chest. At the time of the incident, Officer Vauris was not wearing a protective vest.
The other officers in the room immediately responded by returning fire, killing the suspect at the scene. Officer Vauris was transported to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. A veteran of law enforcement, he had served with the Clinton Township Police Department for four years following a 27-year career with the Detroit Police Department. As the sole suspect was killed at the scene, there were no subsequent arrests or trials in connection with Officer Vauris's death.
