Roanoke City Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch: Saturday, April 12, 1986
Age: 23
Tour of Duty: 11 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 12, 1986
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 10 years
Patrolman David Rickman was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance call at 5 a.m.
The officers were in the process of arresting the female subject's ex-boyfriend when she came to the door with a handgun and discharged the weapon. The round passed through Officer Rickman's left arm and entered his chest through an opening in his vest. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
The woman claimed the gun discharged accidentally. She was convicted of manslaughter and received a 10-year prison sentence.
Patrolman Rickman was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Roanoke City Police Department for less than one year. He is survived by his son, father, mother, two brothers, and three sisters.