Steven Joseph Reuther was a 32-year-old Milan Police Department officer when he was ambushed and killed on February 4, 1991. He had served 11 years on the force and was a husband and father of two daughters. Reuther arrived for his shift at the station at 35 Neckel Court when a shooter who had waited outside for about 45 minutes opened fire with an AK-47 as Reuther walked toward the entrance. He was struck in the back of the head and died instantly.

The gunman fled but returned about eight minutes later and surrendered to the chief of police. He was arrested, tried, and found not guilty by reason of insanity; after the verdict he was committed to a state mental hospital. The city later retired Reuther’s badge number 8 and moved to memorialize his service.

If anyone knew Officer Reuther or has information about that day, please share what you remember.