North St. Paul Police Department, Minnesota
End of Watch: Monday, September 7, 2009
Age: 57
Tour of Duty: 13 years
Badge Number: 3933
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 7, 2009
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Officer Richard Crittenden was shot and killed after he and another officer responded to a domestic disturbance call at approximately 8:30 am.
A male subject had gone to the female subject's apartment in violation of a protection order. Officer Crittenden and an officer from the Maplewood Police Department arrived, and as they were conducting an investigation, the suspect attempted to attack the female. Officer Crittenden attempted to protect the woman and during a struggle the suspect was able to gain control of Officer Crittenden's service weapon. He then opened fire, striking Officer Crittenden, who was fatally wounded. The Maplewood officer suffered a gunshot wound to her wrist, but was able to return fire and kill the suspect.
Officer Crittenden had served with the North St. Paul Police Department for nine years, had previously served with the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office for four years, and had served in Vietnam with the United States Army. He was the first North St. Paul Police Officer killed in the line of duty.