Communities connect to remember Slot

WALKER, Mich. (WOOD) - One officer from the Walker Police Department is dead after police responded to a bank robbery and chase along I-96 on Thursday morning.

Officer Trevor Slot, a court officer, was attempting to put out stop sticks when he was struck by the suspects' vehicle and killed, police sources said.

"Today in response to a police scene, one of Walker's police officers was run over by fleeing suspects and killed in the line of duty. An investigation is still continuing as to all the things that transpired. But now we are asking the community to bear with us and to give their prayers to the family," said Walker Police Chief Catherine Garcia-Lindstrom.

In their initial investigation, the police believe the suspects intentionally directed their car at Officer Slot, a nine-year veteran of the force.

Slot is the first officer from the Walker Police Department to ever be killed in the line of duty.

He left behind a wife and two daughters, ages 8 and 6. He spoke to his wife Kimberly on the phone shortly before the incident and told her had to go to help with the police efforts to stop the suspects.

At a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Garcia-Lindstrom called Slot "an exceptional officer" and said that the department was "very proud of him."

The City of Walker has set up a fund to help Slot's family. Anyone wishing to make a donation can drop off money at a Lake Michigan Credit Union branch, the Walker Police Department, or Walker City Hall.

Chief Garcia-Lindstrom asked the community to keep Officer Slot's family and other officers from the Walker Police Department in their prayers.

The Walker Police Department is still open, though its flag have been lowered to half-staff in remembrance of Officer Slot.

Slot was a police officer in the city of Lowell before he served in Walker.

Representatives from several police organizations including the Kent County Sheriff's Department and Grand Rapids Police Department are at the Walker Police Department to show support.

"It is very difficult. without our partners we couldn't do it to be perfectly honest. The sheriff's department has been helping. We've had help from Grand Rapids. It's been phenomenal, but it has been very difficult," said Garcia-Lindstrom.

A number of citizens from the area and members of city government have left flowers at the Walker Police Department in remembrance of Slot.

The Northview Public Schools Superintendent released a statement regarding the death of the officer:

"The Northview Public Schools family is deeply saddened by the death of Officer Slot. His wife, Kim, teaches for us at Crossroads Middle School. Our prayers are with the family. We have activated our district crisis team which will be available for students and staff."

Slot is the fifth Michigan police officer to be killed in the line of duty in 2011.

The two suspects in the robbery and chase were killed after police and the suspects exchanged gunfire.

24 Hour News 8 has a crew at the Walker Police Department and is working to bring you more information.

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Remembering Officer Slot