Dates: July 28, 1987- April 29, 2022
The Tragedy:
Deputy Sheriff Nicholas, Nick, Weist tragically lost his life while deploying spike strips during a vehicle pursuit involving an armed individual. Officers from the Galesburg Police Department responded to an armed suspect call at a local gas station. The suspect fled in a vehicle prompting the officer to initiate pursuit. Deputy Weist was deploying spike strips in attempt to stop the vehicle when he was struck by the car, which then veered off the road crashing into a field. The suspect was then apprehended after a brief foot chase.
Only a little farther along the road, school children were walking to school and were in the road and on the side of it. If it hadn’t been for Deputy Nicholas, countless children could have been endangered as the car headed towards them.
Deputy Weist served the Knox County Sheriff’s Office for four years and had previously worked for the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department and Aledo Police Department. He is survived by his wife, two children, mother, father, and sister.
More info:
galesburg: Death of Deputy
The Service:
Deputy Weist was honored on May 7 at Galesburg High School with hundreds of first responders and law enforcement from multiple states attending. Prior to the ceremony, throughout the county members of the community tied blue ribbons on trees, posts, and poles to show their respect for the Deputy, as well as along the highway where he was struck. The Knox County Courthouse was illuminated with blue lighting and over 2,000 American flags were set up outside of Galesburg High School prior to the Deputy’s memorial.
In April 0f 2023, the Knox County Board approved the dedication of April 29 to forever be “Deputy Nicholas Weist Day” in order to continually honor his sacrifice and memory. Additionally, a section of the highway where he tragically lost his life has been renamed to “Deputy Sheriff Nick Weist Memorial Highway.”
More info:
dennisonfuneralhome : Obituary
25newsnow : Part of Illinois Route 150 named after fallen Deputy
centralillinoisproud: Deputy Nicholas Weist Day
galesburg : Public honor fallen deputy
The Justice:
The suspect was identified as Daylon Richardson and was charged with two counts of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and aggravated fleeing and eluding.
In March of 2023, Richardson appeared in pre-trial and the official trias is tentatively scheduled for October 23-November 3, 2023. Henry Country State’s Attorney Catherine Runty said that she, the judge, and the defense attorney needed to “be on the same page” before the trial.
More info:
galesburg : Man charged in death of Deputy Weist
wgil : Trial date anticipated
The Delivery:
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