Corporal Scott Lee Severns

Scott Lee Severns

Corporal Scott Severns succumbed to gunshot wounds suffered two days earlier while attempting to take police action during a robbery when he was off duty.

Corporal Severns was walking to his car with a friend when two men approached and attempted to rob them. One man was armed with a handgun. Corporal Severns drew his gun and stepped in front of his friend while pushing her to the ground as one suspect started firing. He managed to return fire, wounding the suspect, but not before suffering several bullet wounds himself. Corporal Severns was taken to a local hospital where he died two days later.

Both suspects were apprehended following the shooting and charged with murder. The juvenile suspect who shot Corporal Severns was charged as an adult and later pleaded guilty to murder and attempted robbery. He was sentenced to 65 years with the opportunity of parole in 30 years. The other suspect was convicted of attempted robbery and sentenced to 45 years. His sentence was later reduced to 30 years.

Corporal Severns was a third-generation officer with the South Bend Police Department and had served for eight years. He is survived by his parents, sister, and half-brother.