Posted on 07/08/2007 5:22:42 PM PDT by Becki
GRAND RAPIDS - A Grand Rapids police officer was shot and killed early Sunday morning on the northeast side of the city.
Officer Robert "Bobby" Kozminski, 29, died shortly after the shooting at 1:40 a.m. at 1233 Emerald NE when police responded to a domestic disturbance.
In a Sunday afternoon statement, Police Chief Harry Dolan said Kozminski walked toward the back of the house and a man was "lying in wait in the garage." Kozminski was ambushed, "shot in the head through the glass portion of the closed garage door."
Another officer at the scene returned fire toward the suspect, who had already retreated into the house. No one was injured from that bullet.
Kozminski was taken to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital, where he died from his wounds.
At the scene, police arrested Jeffrey Vanvels, 45, who is being held on open murder charges pending further developments.
Vanvels was also arrested just more than a week ago - June 29, 2007 - for domestic violence and interference with communication, and released on June 30.
His wife, Sharon Gigi Vanvels, filed for divorce in November. She obtained a no-contact order against Jeffrey Vanvels, who currently has an address on Kinney in Walker.
Chief Dolan said he was "very proud" that Kozminski "gave his life to protect a family." Kozminski, a seven-year police veteran, is survived by his three-year-old daughter and his parents.
His family, Dolan said, "is grateful to all involved...and thankful for the thoughts and prayers."
In brief remarks, Heartwell said the "slaying of Robert Kozminski (is an affront) against every citizen." The mayor hopes the people of the area "use this tragic death to recommit to a safer community."
The GRPD Peer Support Team has been brought in to help officers deal with the situation.
Visitation for Officer Kozminski:
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m.
St. Anthony of Padua Church
2510 Richmond NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Thursdy, July 12, 2007
2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m.
St. Anthony of Padua Church
Funeral arrangements:
Friday, July 13, 2007
St. Anthony of Padua Church
11:00 a.m.
Interment following:
Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum
2000 Walker Ave NW
Grand Rapids
24 Hour News 8 will continue to follow this story.
Condolences to officer Robert “Bobby” Kozminski’s family and friends.
liscences= liscenses
resterants= restaurants
accross=across
maybe someone needs a edjumacation in mitchegon
I know what you mean. I actually chuckled when I read your post. It sounds so much like my older brother. He didn't like the winters, so he moved south, to South Carolina. They settled in 3 weeks before Hugo hit. Some trade!
Since they moved down there, they have had ice storms, snow, you name it. I swear he took the winters down there with him!
Becki
If you have the chance, please let them know that many people are praying for them. They don't know us, but we are praying.
Thank you!
Becki
I used to work with Angela Marshall, whose husband was killed in Newaygo, MI a few years ago. He was State Trooper Kevin Marshall. This story is just as heartbreaking. Prayers to this family, and to all who protect and serve in any capacity, be it Fire, Police, Military...
They do the jobs that I would not be able to do.
a man was "lying in wait in the garage." Kozminski was ambushed, "shot in the head through the glass portion of the closed garage door." ...At the scene, police arrested Jeffrey Vanvels, 45Survived by a three year old daughter and his parents. That is so awful.
Jeffrey Scott VanVels
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