Columbus Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch: Saturday, April 5, 1986
Age: 45
Tour of Duty: 23 years
Badge Number: 325
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 5, 1986
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer Gordon Rich was shot and killed with his own weapon while making a traffic stop on Interstate 70 around 12:30 a.m.
Unbeknownst to Officer Rich, the men had just committed a robbery. He had placed both men in the back seat of his cruiser. One of them was able to gain control of his weapon and shot him. He attempted to call for help on his police radio but was unable to speak to the dispatcher. A witness to the shooting followed the suspects, who were later apprehended.
The 25-year-old shooter was convicted of murder and sentenced to prison for 33 years to life. He was denied parole in February 2019. His next parole hearing will be on February 1, 2029.
Officer Rich had been with the Columbus Division of Police for 23 years. He is survived by his wife, two children, and two stepchildren.