WALLED LAKE, Mich. – A burglary suspect who killed a 48-year-old police officer during a shootout near Detroit used a handgun he and his brother had just stolen from a home, police said Tuesday.
Local 4 has learned that the semi-automatic handgun used to kill Livonia police officer Larry Nehasil Monday night was stolen from a home in Walled Lake, about 20 miles northwest of Detroit. Nehasil and 44-year-old suspect David Bowling exchanged five to seven shots, and both were killed. Bowling's brother, 48-year-old Terry Bowling, was arrested. Police said they had arrested a woman who they think helped fence items stolen in past burglaries. She was not at the scene of Monday's burglary and shooting, police said.
Livonia Police Chief Robert Stevenson said Nehasil and several other Livonia officers were working undercover investigating a string of burglaries in the city. As part of their investigation, the officers ended up in Walled Lake, about 10 miles away, where they interrupted the suspects breaking into a home or leaving it after having just burglarized it.
Stevenson said Nehasil had been with the intelligence bureau for five or six years.
"(Nehasil's) mission was to track down and arrest dangerous felons," Stevenson said. The Bowling brothers both have criminal records, with convictions of armed robbery and assault that date back to the 1980s.Nehasil was with the Livonia Police Department for more than 20 years. He was a former Wayne County Sheriff's deputy. He was a husband and father of two, Stevenson said.
"Larry was highly decorated," Stevenson said. "His family is obviously devastated by their loss, and we ask all of you to join in our prayers for them in their time of need. Larry will be remembered by his smile, his hard work ethic and will be missed by all of his coworkers."The Oakland County Sheriff's Office will be investigating the shooting, Stevenson said. Stevenson said this is the first time in the history of the city that a Livonia police officer has been killed in a "violent felony."
"I knew (Nehasil), not well, but I knew him and members of his family," said Livonia Mayor Jack Kirksey. "Citizens of Livonia are grieving together for this great loss."Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy released the following statement: "Our prayers go out to the family of Officer Larry Nehasil and the entire Livonia Police Department. We are particularly saddened by because our investigative staff includes several officers who worked with Officer Nehasil for many years," she said.
Taylor police have offered to cover shifts for Livonia officers who need to take time off.
"We're all part of the same team. We tend to rally around each other in support ," said Taylor police Officer John Blair. "It's just different shades of blue. We know when they need assistance, and that's what we're here for."
Family, Community Mourn Loss Of Officer
Late Tuesday, the Nehasil family released the following statement:
"Yesterday, the Nehasil family lost one of the finest human beings you could imagine. Larry was our devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend. Larry died doing the job he loved, serving the city in which he grew up as a child with pride and honor. His murder reminds us of the dangers that all police officers face daily. He will be deeply missed by those who had the privilege of meeting and knowing him."We greatly appreciate the outpouring of sympathy and love that we have received as the community has embraced our family. Please keep our family in your prayers as we continue the grieving process."We would ask the media to please not attempt to contact us and allow our family privacy in our time of sorrow and grief."Any further statements will be delivered through the Livonia Police Department."
Joe Suliman said Nehasil was an avid member of the Powerhouse gym in Highland Township, and that he was well known for dedication in his professional and personal life.“He was just a great guy. Always smiling,” Suliman said. “If you were having a bad day, he’d help you out. We’d spot each other on the bench.”
A memorial fund has been established to benefit the family the Nehasil family.Donations can be made at any Huntington National Bank, or mailed to:The Livonia Police Department 15050 Farmington Road Livonia, Mich, 48154Checks should be payable to the “Larry Nehasil Memorial Fund."Nehasil's funeral is set for 11 .m. Friday at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church.The church is located at 47650 North Territorial Road, west of Beck Road, in Plymouth.Public visitation will be at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road, on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday from noon to 8 p.m.
Break-In Victim Says He Had Just Left For Gym
On Tuesday, Local 4 spoke with the owner of the house where the shooting took place in. He declined an on-camera interview, but spoke with reporter Roger Weber.The homeowner said his wife was still at work when he left his house at about 5 p.m. to go to the gym, and that he returned less than an hour late to a police roadblock.
The homeowner said the robbers broke into his home through a back window and ransacked it, taking jewelry and attempting to steal a safe. His .45-caliber handgun was also taken. He said he had only bought the gun a month ago to use for target practice."I feel horrible for the officer and his family. I can't believe it happened here," the homeowner said.