Patrolman Michael M. Ren

Patrolman Michael M. Ren

Montana Highway Patrol, Montana

End of Watch Saturday, April 8, 1978

Add to My Heroes

Michael M. Ren

Patrolman Michael Ren was shot and killed after being called to assist a Lincoln County Sheriff's Office deputy serving two felony warrants on a recently released mental patient.

The subject was wanted for violating the terms of his release from a state mental health facility. Patrolman Ren spotted the subject driving a pickup truck, and a high-speed chase ensued.

During the chase, the subject retrieved a .308 rifle from inside the cab of his pickup and opened fire on both officers. Five rounds struck Patrolman Ren's patrol car before the subject crashed in the town of Eureka. As Patrolman Ren pulled up, the subject jumped from his truck and shot Ren in the abdomen with the .308; the round traveled between the back panels of his Kevlar vest.

The suspect ran to a nearby residence and took the household hostage. Officers from the sheriff's department, Highway Patrol, and U.S. Border Patrol surrounded the place. After six hours, the suspect released his hostages but remained barricaded inside the house. Three canisters of tear gas were fired into the home, and the suspect surrendered.

The suspect was charged with the murder of a police officer and was committed to a mental institution. He was later released and committed suicide.

Patrolman Ren was a United States Air Force veteran who served with the Montana Highway Patrol for six years assigned to District VI and previously served as a police officer in Columbia Falls, Montana, for two years. He was survived by his wife, a 5-year-old son, and his parents. In 2000 Patrolman Ren's son joined the Montana Highway Patrol.

Bio

  • Age 30
  • Tour 8 years
  • Badge 240
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle; .308 caliber
  • Offender Committed suicide

hostage, mentally ill, officer assistance, warrant service

Most Recent Reflection

View all 29 Reflections

Thank you for your service. You gave the ultimate sacrifice and for that you will never be forgotten. John 15:13….RIP warrior

Jeff Zearley
Retired Anaheim Police Department

June 14, 2023

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.