Patrolman Anthony Swartzlander was struck and killed by a vehicle occupied by two men wanted for armed robbery.

   The suspects had robbed the Fish Lake Market in LaPorte County of $400 and were being pursued through three counties as they approached town. Patrolman Swartzlander, who was off duty and with his daughter, attempted to set up a roadblock when he was struck by their vehicle before it crashed.

   He was transported to Bremen Community Hospital where he died an hour later.

   When the 18- and 22-year-old suspects were apprehended at the scene by officers, it was determined that a 27-year-old female who was in the vehicle had been kidnapped from a parking lot in Steger, Illinois.

   Both suspects were later convicted of kidnapping and armed robbery, and sentenced to 45 years. The 22-year-old suspect was also sentenced to 10 years for criminal deviate conduct and both offenders have since been released from prison.

   Patrolman Swartzlander had previously served with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia for two years. He was survived by his 8-year-old daughter, two sisters and mother.