SLAIN COP A 'GO-GETTER'

Shot Disrupting Alleged Drug Deal

WINDSOR -- A police officer shot to death while disrupting an alleged
drug deal was a "go-getter" who was comfortable working alone in
plainclothes, Windsor police said yesterday.

Two teenagers have been charged in the Friday slaying of 14-year
veteran Const. John Atkinson, the first-ever killing of a member of
the Windsor police force.

Nikkolas Brennan and Cody Defausses, both 18, appeared in court
yesterday on charges of first-degree murder and were remanded, Deputy
Police Chief Roger Mortimore said.

Atkinson, 37, a father of two whose daughter turned 7 years old
yesterday, was shot as he approached two men allegedly involved in a
drug transaction in a parking lot outside a convenience store, police said.

'Doing His Job'

"Const. Atkinson often worked alone," said Insp. Greg Renaud, who is
heading the investigation. "It was his job. He was comfortable with
that, and we have no doubt that he was doing his job."

Atkinson was struck by a bullet but was able to return fire before
the suspects fled on foot.

Officers came in on their own to assist in the search, which led to
the arrest of the suspects within 32 minutes of the shooting, Mortimore said.

The two are facing charges of first-degree murder because Atkinson
was working when killed, Renaud said.

"He was on duty; make no mistake about that," he said.

The suspects were also charged with drug-trafficking after crack
cocaine was found, Mortimore said.

A 9-mm handgun was taken as evidence from the lawn of a neighbouring
residence, Renaud said. Brennan faces a weapons charge.

Renaud said it was possible Atkinson was shot while on his way to pay
for a tank of gas he had just pumped, but dismissed earlier reports
the officer was responding to a call for help from the operators of
the convenience store.

Police said there is nothing so far to indicate anyone else was
involved in the shooting, although witnesses were being urged to come forward.

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis said a memorial service for Atkinson will
be held Tuesday at the riverfront.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be made.

Premier Dalton McGuinty issued a statement offering condolences to
colleagues and family.

"Throughout the province, brave police officers work hard, long hours
to keep us safe, to serve our communities and to help build a stronger Ontario.

"For this, we owe police officers our gratitude, our respect and our support."