North St. Paul Police Department, Minnesota
End of Watch Monday, September 7, 2009
Add to My HeroesRichard Scott Crittenden, Sr.
Officer Richard Crittenden was shot and killed after he and another officer responded to a domestic disturbance call at approximately 8:30 am.
A male subject had gone to the female subject's apartment in violation of a protection order. Officer Crittenden and an officer from the Maplewood Police Department arrived, and as they were conducting an investigation, the suspect attempted to attack the female. Officer Crittenden attempted to protect the woman and during a struggle the suspect was able to gain control of Officer Crittenden's service weapon. He then opened fire, striking Officer Crittenden, who was fatally wounded. The Maplewood officer suffered a gunshot wound to her wrist, but was able to return fire and kill the suspect.
Officer Crittenden had served with the North St. Paul Police Department for nine years, had previously served with the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office for four years, and had served in Vietnam with the United States Army. He was the first North St. Paul Police Officer killed in the line of duty.
Bio
- Age 57
- Tour 13 years
- Badge 3933
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 293 ReflectionsTwelve years ago, on Monday, September 7, 2009, Officer Richard Scott Crittenden, of the North St. Paul, Minnesota, Police Department, responded to assist a victim of domestic violence. Shortly after he, and an Officer from a neighboring community, Officer Julie Olson, of the Maplewood police, arrived, the man who had been physically abusing his estranged wife, attacked the Officers. The man jumped Rich as he entered the apartment. A struggle ensued and Rich’s gun was taken from his holster. Rich was shot and killed. In today’s “news media” the killer would have been described as “UNARMMED”. A fierce gun battle ensued between Rich’s murderer and Officer Olson. Thank God she survived this deadly encounter. Officer Julie Olson is truly a hero. I hope one day to meet this remarkable woman. The name of the piece of human filth who took Officer Crittenden’s life is irrelevant. Officer Crittenden gave his life protecting a victim of domestic violence. The world is a better place for his having been here and a lesser place for having gone. God bless you and your family and thank you for your service and sacrifice.
"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13
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