Patrolman Tony Ray Patterson

Tony Ray Patterson

Patrolman Patterson was shot and killed while conducting a drug raid on a house. Patrolman Patterson was the ram man for the raid. In his attempt to ram the suspect's door a piece of the door panel was broken out. The suspect fired a shot through the hole in the door, striking Patrolman Patterson. Although he was wearing his bullet-resistant vest, the shot entered through his left arm, which was unprotected, and continued through his left side, killing him. Unsuccessful attempts were made by fellow officers and paramedics to revive Patrolman Patterson The suspect was injured in the leg by return fire from another officer involved in the raid.
The suspect was acquitted of the murder of Patrolman Patterson. He was found guilty of Battery Against a Law Enforcement Officer for pointing his weapon at Patrolman Patterson partner and was also found guilty of several drug charges. The suspect never served any time in prison for the murder of Patrolman Patterson.

Patrolman Patterson had been with the agency for six years and is survived his wife and two young children.