Officer Michael J. Ratikan, Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma

Officer Michael J. Ratikan

Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma

End of Watch Monday, June 14, 1971

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Michael J. Ratikan

Officer Michael Ratikan was shot and killed after he and his partner stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation.

During routine questioning, the driver fled on foot. Officer Ratikan caught the driver and began struggling with him as the driver's brother emerged from the car and fired a .25 caliber automatic pistol. Officer Ratikan was struck and died almost instantly. Officer Ratikan's partner returned fire as the occupants fled. The suspect initially escaped, however he was later captured.

The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment on September 30, 1971. He died in prison on August 21, 2014.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .25 caliber
Offender Died in prison

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Most Recent Reflection

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It's been so long ago now, but I still think of you with tears in my eyes. We were classmates in the OCPD police academy. I only rode with you a few times, but I remember one evening we drove by to see your son play baseball for a few minutes. You were so proud of him and devoted to your family. Those of us working the night you were murdered realized that you died for us because it could have been any one of us who caught that bullet. It just happened to be you. I hope your son reads this and knows that his father is still remembered and honored by those who were his brothers.

Captain Brad Holt (retired)
Oklahoma City Police

October 9, 2022