Officer Nickolaus Schultz dies after Merrillville shooting

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (WLS) -- A vigil was held Sunday night for Officer Nickolaus Schultz, 24, who died from wounds sustained in a shooting in Merrillville, Ind., on Sunday morning.

Officer Schultz graduated from Franklin College, where he was captain of the football team.

The vigil was held at the school in Franklin, Indiana, just south of Indianapolis. Flags were lowered to half-staff at all government buildings across the city.

"The thoughts and prayers of the entire Merrillville Police Department go with him and his family," the department said in a statement. They also said details on a public viewing, wake and funeral are forthcoming and will be announced.

Schultz who has only been on the force for one year, was being treated at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

Indiana Governor Mike Pence also issued a statement on Schultz's death.

"I was saddened to learn of the passing of Merrillville Police Officer Nickolaus Schultz and join his family and friends as they mourn the loss of this Indiana hero," Pence said in his statement. "As we grieve his passing, we are reminded of the extraordinary sacrifices that our state's law enforcement officers and their families make every day. On behalf of all Hoosiers, the First Lady and I offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the family and friends and all who admired this courageous young police officer."

Schultz was one of several officers called to an apartment complex in Merrillville Friday night after reports that a resident who had been evicted had returned. The officers were conducting a search knocking down several doors when gunfire erupted and Officer Schultz was apparently hit in the head.

The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Michael Hrnciar, then killed himself, according to the Lake County Coroner. He was apparently prepared for a violent showdown, as he was wearing a bulletproof Kevlar vest.