United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, U.S. Government
End of Watch: Sunday, August 5, 1973
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 5, 1973
Weapon Used: Handgun; 9 mm
Suspect Info: Convicted
Park Ranger Kenneth Patrick was shot and killed while making a traffic stop at Point Reyes National Seashore, California. The vehicle that he stopped contained several members of a militant group, known as the Black Panthers.
One of the men opened fire on Ranger Patrick with a 9mm handgun as he approached the car, wounding him. Ranger Patrick was wearing a winter coat and was unable to draw his weapon.
The suspects began to drive away but returned and the shooter shot the wounded Ranger Patrick in the head, killing him. The suspect then stole Ranger Patrick's service revolver and the group fled.
The suspects were apprehended and convicted of Ranger Patrick's murder. The accomplices were paroled in 2002.
Ranger Patrick had previously served with the Arizona Department of Public Safety before joining the National Park Service. He was survived by his wife and four children.