TAYLOR — The city is mourning the death of police Cpl. Matthew Edwards, who was killed Friday in the line of duty.
Police said Edwards, 31, was shot and killed about 6 a.m. while responding to a call of a breaking and entering in the 12400 block of Pine Street in the Coppertree Apartment complex.
The report said a man was trying to enter an apartment through a window. Edwards and his partner arrived and in the parking lot confronted a 36-year-old Westland man matching the description of the burglar.
Witnesses said Edwards was speaking with the defendant when they saw the defendant pull out a gun and shoot Edwards.
Edwards’ partner returned fire, shooting the defendant several times. The defendant was taken to a nearby hospital and was undergoing surgery.
Edwards was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Edwards joined the Taylor Police Department in January 2005 and was a decorated officer, officials said. Edwards, who was named Officer of the Year in 2008 by the Police Officers Association of Michigan, is survived by his wife and two children.
Police said he is the first officer killed in the line of duty in the history of the Taylor Police Department.
On behalf of the entire city, Mayor Jeffrey Lamarand extended his sympathy to Edwards’ family and to all department officers and personnel.
Lamarand also expressed gratitude to the community for the outpouring of support.
Funeral arrangements were pending at press time.