Officer Eryk Heck was shot and killed and another officer was shot and wounded after responding to a burglary in progress on a northwestern rural county road.

   While investigating the burglary, the two officers discovered a truck parked in a remote area near the home. As the officers watched the truck, the 27-year-old male suspect appeared and the second officer approached to question him. The suspect immediately opened fire, striking the second officer in the arm and knocking him to the ground.

   Officer Heck then got in front of the wounded officer and returned fire when he was shot in the neck, jaw and leg. He was able to shoot and kill the suspect but Officer Heck was pronounced dead upon arrival at Parkview Hospital Randallia in Fort Wayne.

   Officer Heck, from Fort Wayne, was survived by his wife, 11-month-old daughter, parents and seven sisters. His mother had also served with the Allen County Sheriff's Department.