On March 24th, 2021, tragedy struck the small town of Delafield, Wisconsin when two police officers were fatally shot during a routine traffic stop. The officers, identified as 35-year-old Ryan Copeland and 33-year-old Anthony Borostowski, were both members of the Delafield Police Department and had served their community for several years.
The incident occurred around 3:30 pm when the officers pulled over a vehicle on Interstate 94. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 30-year-old Sergio Valencia del Toro, opened fire on the officers with a handgun, striking both of them. Copeland and Borostowski were rushed to a nearby hospital but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries.
The suspect fled the scene and led law enforcement on a high-speed chase before crashing his vehicle and engaging in a shootout with police. Del Toro was eventually taken into custody and charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide.
The shooting has left the Delafield community in shock and mourning. Both Copeland and Borostowski were well-respected members of the police department and had dedicated their lives to serving and protecting their community. Delafield Police Chief Erik Kehl stated, “They were both outstanding officers who were loved by their families, friends, and colleagues. They will be deeply missed.”
The incident has also sparked a larger conversation about the dangers that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 264 officers were killed in the line of duty in 2020, with firearms being the leading cause of death.
In response to the shooting, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen officers. He also issued a statement expressing his condolences to their families and the Delafield community, stating, “We mourn with Delafield and the entire state as we remember these two officers who put their lives on the line to protect our communities.”
The Delafield Police Department has set up a memorial fund in honor of Copeland and Borostowski to support their families during this difficult time. The community has also come together to show their support, with local businesses and residents displaying blue ribbons and signs in honor of the fallen officers.
The shooting in Delafield serves as a tragic reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face every day. It is important for us to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices that these brave men and women make to keep our communities safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Officer Copeland and Officer Borostowski, as well as the entire Delafield community during this difficult time.
