OKLAHOMA-Police Officer Matt North, of the Bernice Police Department, Oklahoma, suffered a heart attack after he confronted a felon who was armed. Officer North was conducting probation check as part of the district attorney's office and the Violent Crimes Task Force. The officer was following up on information that an individual was in possession of a large amount of narcotics. The individual was said not to be home, and the task force entered the home. The officers were confident the subject was inside and the individual was found behind a door in the home. Since the subject was armed, another officer was able to confiscate the firearm while Officer North and others detained the subject.
Officer North suffered chest pains while on duty, and went to the hospital to seek treatment but passed away a few days later after he was discharged from the hospital.
He is survived by his wife and children.
About the Author
Hilary Rodela
Hilary Rodela is currently a Surveillance Officer, a former Private Investigator, a former Crime Scene Investigator, and Evidence Technician. She worked for the Ruidoso (NM) Police Department as well as the Lubbock (TX) Police Department. She has written for several public safety publications and has extensive law enforcement and forensic training and is pursuing forensic expertise in various disciplines. Hilary is a freelance public safety writer and curriculum developer for the National Investigative Training Academy.