Pontoon Beach, Ill. (via VCSD) – On Tuesday, Illinois police officer Tyler Timmins, 36, was shot and killed while investigating a stolen vehicle in a gas station parking lot in Pontoon Beach, Ill.
He was approaching the pickup truck when a subject opened fire, fatally wounding him. The shooter was arrested by other officers at the scene and is charged with first-degree murder and other crimes.
Officer Timmins’ family provided the following statement:
“The family of Officer Tyler Timmins mourns the loss of our son, husband, father, brother and friend. We would like to thank the law enforcement community and the thousands of others who have expressed their love, support and concern.
Tyler was the epitome of compassion, empathy and caring throughout his life. He gained notoriety on October 26th when he was senselessly killed in the line of duty. To many he was a hero that day, for us he has been a hero since day one.
There are no words to describe what was taken from us. We will always remember his devotion to his family, his dedication to his career and community, and the love and laughter that he shared with us.”