Deputy Sheriff Nicholas D. Weist

Nicholas D. Weist

Deputy Sheriff Nick Weist was struck and killed by a vehicle as he deployed spike strips during a vehicle pursuit of an armed subject.

Officers from the Galesburg Police Department had responded to a call involving an armed subject at a local gas station at about 8:00 am. The man fled in a vehicle, and the Galesburg officers initiated a pursuit. Deputy Weist was deploying spike strips on U.S. Route 150 at N 150th Avenue in Henry County when the vehicle struck him. The subject's vehicle then crashed into a field, and he was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.

The man was charged with two counts of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and aggravated fleeing and eluding. In 2023, the suspect pleaded guilty to one count each of felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated fleeing, and improper traffic lane usage. In 2025, he was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Deputy Weist had served with the Knox County Sheriff's Office for four years and previously served with the Mercer County Sheriff's Department and the Aledo Police Department. He is survived by his wife, two children, mother, father, and sister.