Tpr. George E. Lappi and Tpr. Bert A. Pozza were shot and killed by a mentally deranged man when they responded to a domestic dispute.
On the morning of the tragedy, a trooper from the Flint Post was dispatched to a family disturbance. He encountered a man with a high-powered rifle and Troopers Lappi and Pozza were sent to assist. Once at the scene, Trooper Lappi made contact with the man and pleaded with him to surrender. As he spoke to the suspect, Trooper Lappi inadvertently exposed himself and was fatally shot.
As efforts to get the subject to surrender continued, Trooper Pozza attempted to gain shelter near the residence. He was mortally wounded by gunfire from within. Another state police officer was wounded before the assailant was finally subdued.
Trooper Lappi was dead on arrival at a local hospital. Trooper Pozza died soon afterwards. The suspect died a short time later in a hospital, where he had been taken for treatment of his wounds.
Trooper Lappi was the 19th MSP officer to die in the line of duty.
Trooper Pozza was the 20th MSP officer to die in the line of duty.