Press Release

Early this morning, Grand Rapids Police Officer Robert Kozminski was shot and killed, after heroically responding to a family's cry for help.

At 1:40 AM, Officer Kozminski and other officers responded to 1233 Emerald Avenue NE on the report of a family member walking around inside the residence with a shotgun, threatening to kill them. Upon their arrival, Officer Kozminski went to the rear of the residence to establish a perimeter. Unknown to Officer Kozminski, the suspect was lying in wait in the garage, at the rear of the residence. From that location, the suspect ambushed Officer Kozminski, shooting him in the head with a shotgun round, through the glass of a closed door.

After Officer Kozminski was shot, another responding officer fired at the suspect, who had returned to the inside of the residence. The single round did not strike the suspect or cause any injuries.

Other responding officers were able to reach Officer Kozminski and carried him to a police cruiser. Officer Kozminski was transported to Spectrum Hospital, Butterworth Campus, where he died as a result of the injury.

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At the scene, officers arrested a suspect, Jeffrey Scott VanVels (w/m, 08/27/61), who is being held at the Kent County Correctional Facility on Open Murder, pending formal charges. The department's Major Case Team is leading the investigation.

Officer Kozminski was 29 years old and is a 7-year veteran of the Grand Rapids Police Department. He is survived by his 3-year-old daughter, parents, and several siblings.

Please keep Officer Kozminski and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I would also ask that you please keep in mind the officers who responded to the scene with Officer Kozminski, as well as the personnel who are investigating this case and the officers who are continuing to protect the citizens of Grand Rapids as we speak.

Officer Kozminski's mother and father would like to thank the members of the Grand Rapids Police Department for their wonderful support and caring. They also thank Mayor George Heartwell for his support, and the many families and friends who have offered them comfort and prayers.