On a tragic day in September 2014, Nickolaus Edward Schultz, a 24-year-old male, lost his life in the line of duty. A dedicated officer with the Merrillville Police Department for just over a year, Schultz was responding to what seemed like a routine call on the evening of Friday, September 5th. The report concerned an evicted resident who had unlawfully returned to his former condominium at the Tempe Lake Condominiums.
Upon arrival, Officer Schultz and his fellow officers attempted to
make contact with the individual inside. Unbeknownst to them, the 33-year-old male suspect was lying in wait, prepared for a confrontation. He was wearing body armor and as the officers tried to enter the condo, he opened fire. In the ensuing ambush, Schultz was struck once in the head by a. 45-caliber handgun round. The young officer was immediately transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois, in critical condition.
For two days, Schultz remained on life support. His family, friends, and the entire community held out hope, but the injury was too severe. On Sunday, September 7, 2014, Nickolaus Schultz succumbed to his wounds. In a final act of service, his organs were donated to help others. Back at the scene of the shooting, law enforcement found the suspect inside the residence, deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
An investigation into the suspect's background revealed a man with no prior criminal history who was facing financial difficulties. However, authorities could find no clear motive or indicator that would explain the violent ambush he perpetrated. Hundreds gathered to mourn the fallen officer, remembered as a protector whose lifelong calling was to be in law enforcement. Officer Schultz was survived by his parents, sister, and his high school sweetheart.
