Rocky Ripple Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch: Sunday, March 23, 1997
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 20, 1997
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Sergeant Bryan Northern and Colonel Robert Black were shot and injured while working private security at an apartment complex at 4183 Edgemere Court in Indianapolis.
The two officers had chased a man to an apartment after he caused a disturbance in the parking lot. They knocked on the door and identified themselves when a man inside opened fire on them. The subject had no involvement with the previous incident but had several outstanding warrants.
Neither officer was wearing a bulletproof vest.
Colonel Black shortly after being shot and Sergeant Northern succumbed to his wounds on March 23, 1997. The man who killed both officers was apprehended two days after the shooting. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life in prison with no parole.
Sergeant Northern had served with the Rocky Ripple Police Department for four years.