MIDLAND, Texas — The Midland Police Department has released the mugshot of the man accused in the fatal shooting of Midland Police Officer Nathan Heidelberg, according to NewsWest 9.
A City of Midland press release said, on March 5, Officer Heidelberg, his probationary police officer and two additional officers responded to an alarm call at a local residence. Despite the officers’ position outside of the dwelling and loud announcement of their presence from the open front door, Wilson, the homeowner, believed that his house was being broken into. He fired rounds toward the flashlight being held by Heidelberg, striking him above his protective vest.
Despite efforts extended by MPD personnel to extract, treat and transport Heidelberg to the emergency room, he died from his injury.
Heidelberg was a field training officer for the MPD and respected by all who knew him, the release said. He was a five-year veteran of the MPD.
The release said effective immediately, MPD badge covers are authorized to be worn for the next 30 calendar days. Effective immediately, United States flags at all City of Midland buildings will be flown at half-mast and will remain at half-mast until sundown on the day of internment.
The investigation is ongoing and has been referred to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Tuesday afternoon, Midland Police Chief Seth Herman posted the following on the department's Facebook page:
"It is with the utmost sorry that we acknowledge the passing of our family member. Officer Nathan Heidelberg, a five-year veteran of the Midland Police Department, represented the best in all of us. He was courageous, selfless, ethical and professional. Nathan treated others with respect, regardless of their demeanor or actions. He was a tireless public servant who devoted every ounce of energy to this profession, the citizens and his fellow officers. We have lost not only a great officer, but a loving brother and the most positive example of what we should all aspire to be. I wish I was more like Nathan." - Chief of Police Seth Herman
