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UPDATE: Officer involved in fatal Osceola shooting is identified

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Mishawaka Police Detective Jeremy Tyler (Photo provided)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Aug 27, 2008 at 11:53 AM EST

Story Updated: Aug 27, 2008 at 4:02 PM EST

MISHAWAKA — The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office has identified the Mishawaka police officer involved in the shooting death of an Osceola man Monday night.

Detective Jeremy Tyler, a six-year veteran of the Mishawaka Police Department, shot 43-year-old Eugene Nusbaum in a scuffle at Schneider's Auto Sales in the 1500 block of Lincoln Way West.

Tyler was off duty and heading home around 11 p.m. Monday when, according to police, he noticed Nusbaum in the middle of cutting a catalytic converter from a minivan in the used car lot.

Tyler says he approached Nusbaum and told him to stop but Nusbaum climbed into his pickup truck to take off. Tyler got between the open door and the truck and even grabbed the gear-shift, according to police.

But Nusbaum drove away, dragging the officer, who pulled out his gun and fired several shots. Nusbaum got about a hundred feet down the road before his truck hit a tree head-on and flipped.

Autopsy results show Nusbaum died of a gunshot wound to the chest.

Nusbaum had been in and out of the St. Joseph County jail 12 times since 1995, most recently in 2005 for theft.

Tyler, who received minor injuries in the scuffle, has been placed on administrative leave with pay. He was made a detective in July after serving as a patrol officer.

The County Metro Homicide Unit continues to investigate.

View Oldest Comments First

Wednesday, Sep 3 at 9:20 AM Angry Citizen wrote ...

High 5's all aorund "Rambo" great job, you shot an killed a man because you ASSUMED he was going to steal something. Shooting not once but several times at point blank range. U put ur self in danger by reaching into the truck, it was not a weapon until u made it one. Did u have to shoot an unarmed man so many times from less than a foot away? Call it murder or execution, seems like u were playing Judge, Jury an Executioner. I thought to take a life was up to God not a cop. May God forgive u

Sunday, Aug 31 at 5:43 AM anonymous wrote ...

who said he didn't call for back up? No one has said if he did or didn't.

Saturday, Aug 30 at 4:57 AM Anonymous wrote ...

As a Police Officer, I can tell you all, That I would have done the samething. I have the blessing of going home every night to a family that loves me, and needs me. If someone decided that they were going to go out and commit a crime, and place my life in danger. Sorry for them. I live my life protecting citzens and their property. I will never be harmed or killed, by someone who can not live a honest lifestyle, and who refuses to work for things they want in life. God Bless you Officer Tyler!

Saturday, Aug 30 at 12:31 AM OC Guy wrote ...

I know people are entitled to their opinions but HELLO. One less career criminal off the streets. He did not clean up his act after being in jail time and time again. I have no sympathy for people who have to steal from others. Stupid people do stupid things and we have 1 less stupid person to deal with.

Friday, Aug 29 at 11:31 AM Anonymous wrote ...

At which point did the criminal's life - in the middle of a criminal act - become more important than the life of a police officer? The police officer's life was in danger too. As I see it, his only mistake was not calling it in before he got involved. Guilty people run - that's why this guy tried to run.

Friday, Aug 29 at 10:01 AM ran wrote ...

for all who judge before hearing the TRUTH shall live in the shadows of your own prejudice for your own self serving positions , look at common sense and gather info , as to not be a fool .we all want to be protected, @ what cost . look further , and lets not let one or two reports cloud REALITY , we are human , but do we have hearts ? for so many are in pain ,lets stick together like the americans we should be .whether behind a badge or a civilian , be fair and help get to the bottom .

Friday, Aug 29 at 2:03 AM maybe to much to drink? wrote ...

sounds to me like you need AA meetings! Is drinking is all you think? maybe it could be you next time for a DUI,makes sense to me. sounds like you need help

Thursday, Aug 28 at 7:33 PM Dave wrote ...

To all you scrappers out there, you had better watch out. The po-po's fightin' back against ya'. Quit taking other peoples' stuff! If it ain't yours, leave it alone. No sympathy for a thief. You reap what you sow!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 7:17 PM bert wrote ...

Bert has inside information.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 7:08 PM osceola resident wrote ...

How can people be so cruel! Have you never did anything wrong in your life? Think about that. Yea what he did was wrong if that is what really happened, but to loose his life not justifed at all! It is not shoot first figure it out later. I wonder if people would be felling the same if it were a teenager that made a wrong choice with the same outcome.Come on people police make mistakes to they are human don't pat him on the back for his mistake. A minor offence in our courts not a death sentence

Thursday, Aug 28 at 4:32 PM t wrote ...

one question that hasn't come up....what did he expect to happen to the MOVING truck with a dead guy driving???? thank god there wasn't a car coming the other way....or a house!!! the officer put innocent lives at danger!!!!!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 1:45 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I don't think it is an easy career path to become a police officer and I am sure it wasn't an easy decision to shot another man but it was a necessary decision. Thank God we are not having a police officers funeral! We have one officer that escaped death from a criminal. Who knows how many other victims there would have been if he didn't stop this man. God Bless!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 1:41 PM Proud of our Officers wrote ...

To the Police Officer: You stopped a man that would not of thought twice about killing you or someone else. He was using what he had, his vehicle to kill you. You had no choice. Thank you for protecting us. If he will use a vehicle to drag someone to his death, there is no telling what else he would have done. I truly feel sorry for the people trying to justify this attempted murder of one of our police officers.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 1:02 PM more taxssssss wrote ...

why didnt the cop just get the plate number and call for back up? so now are taxs will go up for useing bullets and the cleaning oil to clean the pistol.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 12:26 PM Patrick wrote ...

Well done Jeremy. You restore my faith daily. You are a hero. I am proud to call you my friend.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 11:07 AM Lisa wrote ...

Officer Tyler is a good man. Thank you for protecting us Officer Tyler!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 7:39 AM Anon wrote ...

Judge Jury and Executioner.

Thursday, Aug 28 at 4:25 AM ED wrote ...

I think the officer did what he had to do to save his life. GREAT JOB OFFICER!!!

Thursday, Aug 28 at 1:44 AM Free Speech wrote ...

Hey, think about this. maybe it was the detective that was stealing the converter and the other guy caught him was trying to get away so he could call the police. the Detectives quick think training made him realize he had to make sure this guy did'nt talk to anyone. Had Nusbaum told his side of the story, Detective has no job,and he becomes fulltime thief. Makes sense too me, we all should all know Police are under paid and over worked, just listen to the Mayors everywhere in Indiana.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 10:49 PM MR. over zealos police officer wrote ...

hear is to you. you killed that muffler thief "off the clock " this bud is for you.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 10:42 PM anon wrote ...

I am ALWAYS on the side of the police..I know many fine officers..This guy however is an example of someone who was not prepared for the job he had. There is no excuse for the way he handled the situation. The guy was committing petty theft. He was in no way threatening the officers life. In a high speed chase they shoot out the tires..not he person. The cop should have left the guy drive off..gotten the plate #. End of story..fire him before he hurts someone else.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 9:11 PM Michelle wrote ...

Why are you people mad at the officer. He was doing his job, I have read in other reports that the family of the man killed says he was most likely there to think, who are they kidding, most people don't go to a car dealership to think, you go there to buy a car or steal a car (or parts) if you want to think go to a park, restaurant or library. When a officer tells you to stop you stop, you don't try to run the police officer over.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 8:52 PM Monica wrote ...

Good Job Jeremy.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 8:12 PM David wrote ...

hey bert? where in THAT story, does it say that the cop pulled up in a ford taurus, and not in a uniform? all it said, was he was off-duty, and on his way home....?? PLEASE TELL ME, THAT??

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 7:59 PM Anonymous wrote ...

so they can kill people just for stilling a part off a car. cant they find a hard crimanal to do that to. so many people have lost there job and have no money.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 7:34 PM tax payer wrote ...

if we start shooting the 1st time we wont have to arrest him 12 TIMES please save us tax payer money and shoot the 1st time !

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 7:16 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I have family on the force I can assure you they do not think of this behavior as "good job detective", just the opposite. This officer did not follow procedure like he was suppose to, just like any profession there is consequences for your actions when you do not follow procedure. I hope this officer pays for what he has done to the family and friends of Gene.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 7:13 PM Anonymous wrote ...

To those of you who say good job etc to the detective, you make me sick. You are acting as if you have never done wrong! Gene paid for his mistakes and had been out of trouble and had his life on track! Mistakes are made as we grow up and we pay for them and change from the lessons we learn. How would you feel if this were your father, grandfather, brother, son, boyfriend etc. Maybe you should think about that before you judge others!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 6:52 PM Anonymous wrote ...

This officer is not a "hero" in my book. I think what he did was stupid or maybe just too gungho. He could have taken other action instead of climbing in the vehicle, thereby resulting in him putting his OWN life, recklessly, in danger. That's just my opinion.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 6:51 PM tomcatnurse@embarqmail.com wrote ...

You did the right thing, officer. Don't let others tell you any different. He could have killed you by running over you.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 6:25 PM bert wrote ...

If it were me and some guy walks up in a ford taurus and not in a police uniform I would take off too. He probably thought he was about to get robbed himself.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 6:20 PM roy wrote ...

he let go of the truck after he shot the guy why not before

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 6:19 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Another criminal gone. What would you have thought if he was stealing from you.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 6:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Another low life not on the streets.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 6:10 PM People Please Calm Down wrote ...

Can somebody tell me who was there besides the two men one is dead and one is left to finish the story there is no witness. Why did'nt the POLICE do BLACK BELT KARATE instead? Something is wrong with the community it's way to many killings alone with bank robbery's and fires whats next Aliens the world is stressed out

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 5:52 PM Anonymous wrote ...

How do you know what really happened? There were two people there and one is dead. Yes he made a mistake that cost him his life and that is sad for him and most of all his family left behind with alot of questions. Maybe what happened could have been handled with a better outcome for both of them. But none of us were there. Iam not a thief and do not defend the choice he made, but his life was lost and all we know is what we have been told,have a little respect for him and his family.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 5:50 PM AS wrote ...

Officer Tyler did an excellent job. I have nothing but respect for the fine work done by this officer. Don't let any of these ignorant comments bother you. If you weren't out causing trouble, then criminals would never run into us, ooops I mean you. Good job and keep your head up the brotherhood supports you and your actions.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 5:33 PM Amazed wrote ...

I can't believe you people! This officer had to make a split second decision. How can any of you judge someone or a situation you know nothing about?? If you think you could do a better job then why don't you! Otherwise just shut the hell up! I can't believe that we have people defending criminals. What is this world coming to? I am just happy that the officer is ok. These low life cop bashers would side with anyone but the police. Pretty pathetic if you ask me!!!!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 5:25 PM Proud SBPD wrote ...

I don't know why I keep posting some of you on here are just too ignorant to understand the FACTS! He wasn't shot for the theft, he was shot for dragging an officer. Anonymous 359 if you had used deadly force in the exact same scenario, no, you wouldn't have been tried, it would have been self defense just as in this case! I am proud to have Det. Tyler in the law enforcement family

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 5:22 PM westsider wrote ...

I thank God that this officer took the action he did but then I am the mother of a law enforcement officer not the relative of a criminal. I am sure the family members of LEO's feel the same. Good job Jeremy.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 5:07 PM ak wrote ...

Now watch the news and see how Nusbaum was the greatest person that ever lived..

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 4:50 PM Ben wrote ...

As a resident I am glad to hear that this officer was being observant and didn't hesitate to step in when he saw criminal activity off-duty. It is disappointing that some will criticize this officer's actions when he was simply doing his job. The suspect had a choice. He choose to break the law, he choose to not follow the officer's instructions, and he put the officer in a position where his safety was threatened. Let Metro investigate and pray for the Nusbaum family and for Officer Tyler.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 4:37 PM wild west wrote ...

What is wrong with you people this man was steeling scrap metal wrong yes but to be killed over it. And you say what a hero this officer was because he killed someone over scrap metal what a sad place to live

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 4:29 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Happy to see this officer deal with the garbage in society the court and more importantly the pathetic judges in St. Joe County cannot deal with. Det. Tyler did is job. You do not repect the law bad things may happen.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 4:26 PM ftw wrote ...

this is to; 12:48 PM Me would you still support them if it was your son, brother, uncle, ect.?

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 4:14 PM WAYTOGO!! wrote ...

Good job Jeremy!! Thanks for protecting our streets. I support you 100%!! Get these low life jerks off the streets.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 4:09 PM TJ wrote ...

Det. Tyler Thank you for doing your job, but next time I would probably use your radio and call for back up and follow the suspect until you could safely confront him or her. Being killed over a muffler? Is it worth it for either person?

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 4:04 PM Harry wrote ...

Tom and hillbilly, get your head out of you rear ends!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:59 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I do appreciate the fact that Jeremy attempted to stop a criminal, even off duty. I do not, however, understand why he had to shoot him? He was OFF duty, why didn't he call it in? Or atleast call in the plates on the truck. If I would have tried to stop this criminal by shooting at him, I would be looked at as the criminal...

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:59 PM me also wrote ...

Good for the officer and thank goodness he wans't hurt. Maybe some of these worthless criminals will think twice about what they are doing. This man did not care that he was dragging an officer, he was just trying to get away so he could try again and be more careful to not get caught. Theft is becoming more and more popular and at everyones' expense. Unfortunitely, this man decided to take the risk, no one made this decision but himself. The officer should be commended for what he did.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:55 PM nancy wrote ...

One less criminal, thank you

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:50 PM Jerry wrote ...

I agree with a lot of people in saying , the choice made here might come back to hurt the PD, I mean come on if your between the door let go and chase him, you had to shoot the guy.In all reality sounds to me like this guy was trigger happy ,, the rest of you can say OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH BLAH BLAH but when it comes down to it , some times bad choices are made on both ends!!! We will let it all play out and see what happens...

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:49 PM Taxpayer wrote ...

Thanks Detective Tyler! You did the right thing. One more useless thug off of our streets! From what I understand, this dude had many run ins with the police in his life.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:47 PM Anonymous wrote ...

hillbilly...how can you say that??? Good lord the guy drug the officer trying to get away heck i would shoot him too

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:46 PM THANK YOU wrote ...

Thank you Det. Tyler and all others who wear the uniform. Let the bashers bash - we all know most of them are losers. Average and above average people know we can still trust the blue uniform. Proud to be married to one from another PD.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:45 PM Phil wrote ...

I good punishment for a piece of trash. If only other ILLEGAL scrappers could meet the same fate. I can say this because I have been victimized by scum like him that stole MY property.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:43 PM annon wrote ...

sounds like a lot of people are offended by what this cop did. huh? makes you wonder how many of these people writing this stuff are doing the same thing this stupid stupid criminal was doing.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:38 PM R wrote ...

Glad the headline isn't reading, "MPD Officer Killed by Runaway Truck." It could have been this way just a easy. Then we'd be reading about how terrible crime in our city is and grieving a fallen police officer. As it is, some of you are saying how terrible our police officers are and grieving a fallen criminal. That is one messed up position.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:34 PM Thankful wrote ...

This comment is aimed at anyone who will bad mouth this officer for doing his job. He caught a criminal in the act. he tried to stop that criminal. That criminal put that officers live in jeopardy. That officer reacted to the threat. if the criminal wouldn't have attempted to flee he'd be alive and in jail today. He chose to endanger the life of an officer giving him the right to defend himself. As the police motto goes "Rather be tried by twelve than carried by six". Job Well Done Officer

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:17 PM hillbilly wrote ...

what a load of crap...killed the man for a catalytic converter.Young n gung ho

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:17 PM lilmama wrote ...

thank you officer for doing an outstanding JOB !!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:16 PM Friend wrote ...

Det. Tyler is a hero! The world is without a criminal! What a loss to society. Thank God Jeremy is safe. We love you, thank you for the job that you do. Just know that you did what you had to do in order to go home safe. That IS the most important thing. GOD BLESS YOU!!!!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 2:58 PM Bridget wrote ...

Anonymous @ 12:17 Where did you read anywhere in any of the articles that Officer Tyler was on the hood & shot him in the head? He put himself between the door & truck to try & stop this creep from taking off. He even reached in to put the truck in gear. This criminal took off & Det. Tyler had to hang on for his life. And to Officer Tyler I live in Mishawaka and am glad you are in my town to protect & serve 24/7. Thank you.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 2:52 PM Larry wrote ...

No civilian he stopped a CRIMINAL. Jerk

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 2:51 PM Tom wrote ...

Nice job COWBOY, Next time can we let a judge and jury decide if a person should DIE. Let hire some professional police people. I hope Nusbaum's children get some big bucks from the city. He was Fleeing not trying run over anyone, let go of the steering wheel idiot.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 2:48 PM Anon wrote ...

Anonymous 12:57, where did you get this information that the officer was on the hood of the truck and shot him thru the windshield in the head and chest???

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 2:36 PM civilians below cops wrote ...

what did he stop? a civilian from breathing.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 2:30 PM Johhny wrote ...

Hey Fire Storm, what the crap are you talking about??? That is him in his uniform!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 1:42 PM FireStorm wrote ...

Why could they not use his work photo...this is silly him giving blood when the man he shot died from blood lost

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 1:42 PM doing his job wrote ...

I am sorry you had to take the life of another human being but this area is now a safer place because of your actions. Thank you again for doing your job.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 1:36 PM Anon wrote ...

I know this officer is upset about taking a life, but my hat's off to you for a job well done! Keep up the good work!!!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 1:34 PM Marj wrote ...

So happy your okay Jeremy! Good Job!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 1:34 PM BLB wrote ...

I am thankful that Detective Tyler stepped in to confront what he saw happening, even when he was off duty. It makes me feel safer knowing we have awesome law enforcement individuals like him in our area.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:57 PM Anonymous wrote ...

The actual story involves the officer getting on the hood of the car and firing shots into the chest and then the head. What was the reasoning for stopping this individual? and why did he have to die for it? i think its little ridiculous, but i spose we will never know what really happened

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:51 PM DSN wrote ...

You did what you did in self defense! HURRAY for you that you attempted and accomplished to STOP a criminal act! You acted in the manner in which you were trained to do. Thank you for doing your job!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:51 PM Frank wrote ...

You are a hero, officer! Thank you for your awareness and courage.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:48 PM Me wrote ...

Police Officers have my FULL support when getting the BAD guy no matter what the outcome is!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:48 PM WD wrote ...

Thanks Detective for putting your life on the line. This family appreciates you! Thanks MPD.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:48 PM WA wrote ...

Nice work officer...killing a thief!!!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:45 PM Bless you officer wrote ...

Good job Tyler. I hope peoples remarks don't faze you. This loser Nusbaum won't be tormenting innocent people any longer.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:44 PM Chris wrote ...

What a shame that an office has to risk his life for a scrapper to get what 80 dollars? The value of life seems to have escaped a large part of our society.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:43 PM Little Brother jdt wrote ...

I am proud to be his brother. Michiana should feel safer knowing that a police officer with his integrity and courage is on the job 24/7. A true hero!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:40 PM R. wrote ...

Its sad when we have to investigate why an officer shot at a person who was doing something they shouldnt have been doing anyways.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:37 PM Rusty wrote ...

Det. Tyler, first let me tell how much I appreciate the job you and your fellow officers do for us every day, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day!!!!!! Having once been a police officer I know the thought of shooting someone is not an easy choice, but when it comes down to your life, or the life of an innocent person, you have to make that choice. I would say that nobody here has ever had to make that choice. And if you weren't there, shut the hell up!!!! I'm so glad you are ok!! God Bless you.

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:35 PM The Thinker wrote ...

If he would've just drove by that night without preventing the theft all the nay-sayers would be saying he wasn't doing his job even though he was off duty. Those people need to just shut up. I'll bet they would be the first to call 911 when little Johnny neighbor boy cuts across their yards to go play with his friends too!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:22 PM JIMBO wrote ...

JEREMY IF YOU READ THIS DON'T LISTEN TO ANY BLEEDING HEARTS...YOU DID WHAT YOU HAD TO DO!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:18 PM J wrote ...

Chrissy are you happy now!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:15 PM Me wrote ...

YOU GO JEREMY THANKS FOR DOING NOTHING BUT YOUR JOB!! NO MATTER WHAT YOU WERE A HERO!!

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:10 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 12:09 PM Pogo wrote ...

Nice shooting Detective!

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