LANSING — Earlier today, House Bill 6147 was voted out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Introduced by state Rep. Patrick Green (D-Warren), the legislation seeks to honor Det. Sgt. Christopher Wouters of the Warren Police Department by designating a portion of M-53 as “Det. Sergeant Wouters Memorial Highway”.
“Det. Sergeant Wouters bravely served the Warren community for almost 20 years,” said Green. “Even in the face of imminent danger, he would not hesitate to throw himself in harm’s way if it meant helping others, as demonstrated by this act of heroism. He was the epitome of public service, and those that knew him would tell you he displayed those same honorable characteristics in all facets of his life.”
Det. Sgt. Wouters was tragically killed in the line of duty on Oct. 11, 2000 when a man was brought into the station on a narcotics violation. It was discovered that the suspect had a hidden Velcro holster on his waist, and after being instructed to stand up for a more thorough search, the suspect attempted to flee. Det. Sgt. Wouters immediately jumped in the middle of the struggle to assist his fellow officers and was shot. He was transported to a local hospital where he soon died of his injuries.
The bill will now move to the House floor for a full vote.