Youngstown Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch: Wednesday, June 13, 1984
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 13 years
Badge Number: 50
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
Date of Incident: June 13, 1984
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Ralph DeSalle was struck and killed by a vehicle while directing traffic at an accident on I-680, near Wayne Avenue.
A speeding tractor-trailer attempted to stop but jack-knifed and struck Patrolman DeSalle at approximately 3:45 pm. Patrolman DeSalle was transported to South Side Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries 30 minutes later.
Patrolman DeSalle had served 13 years with the Youngstown Police Department, assigned to the Traffic Division, and also served as a part-time officer for the Youngstown State University Police Department. He was survived by his wife, daughter, mother, sister, and brother.