Police Officer Mark Edward Vance

Mark Edward Vance

Police Officer Mark Vance was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call at 427 Belmont Drive in Bristol.

Dispatchers had received reports from a third party that a man was inside a residence, threatening a juvenile female. Officer Vance was the first to arrive at the scene and entered the house around 9:20 p.m.

As Officer Vance's backup officer walked towards the front door, he observed a handgun being raised but did not see who was holding it because his view was blocked by an interior wall. The suspect was holding the gun and fired a single shot, striking Office Vance in the head and killing him. Office Vance's service weapon was still in its holster.

After shooting Officer Vance, the suspect dropped the gun and exited the front of the house, where he was taken into custody by the responding officers. The man was convicted of first-degree murder and given a death sentence in connection with Officer Vance's murder.

Officer Vance was a United States Marine Corps veteran who had served as a full-time officer with the Bristol Police Department for 1.5 years and had previously served as an auxiliary officer for 4 years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, stepson, mother, and brother.