Indiana State Police, Indiana
End of Watch Thursday, July 5, 2007
Add to My HeroesDavid Edward Rich
Master Trooper David Rich was shot and killed while investigating an apparent stranded vehicle on U.S. 24 near State Road 115, one mile west of Wabash in Wabash County.
Master Trooper Rich, who was on his way home in plainclothes and in an unmarked squad car, stopped to help a motorist he believed was stranded at about 4:00 pm. Master Trooper Rich was not aware the man was driving an SUV that his father had reported stolen the previous day from their home in Gaylord, Michigan. Upon approaching the vehicle, the suspect opened fire with a shotgun through the driver's window, striking Master Trooper Rich in the chest who was not wearing a bullet-resistant vest, but had his service weapon drawn.
The suspect reloaded the shotgun and then committed suicide.
Master Trooper Rich had served with the Indiana State Police for over 17½ years and was assigned to the Peru post as a detective. He was survived by his wife, 7-year-old daughter, twin 4-year-old sons, parents, sister and brother, who serves as a captain with the Indiana State Police. His father is a retired Indiana State Police trooper and former two-term Miami County sheriff. In 2008, a Memorial Mile was designated on U.S. 24 on the bypass in Wabash in his honor.
Bio
- Age 41
- Tour 17 years, 7 months
- Badge 5398
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 520 ReflectionsDave,
Twelve years today; doesn't seem possible. So much has changed; yet July 5, 2007 remains frozen in memory. Family, friends, coworkers and even the public still recall and remember. It is an amazing reflection on how you were and still are perceived as a husband, father, brother, friend, police officer and person.
I personally really miss our friendship times together, they truly are some of my best memories. Still, life and time goes on. So many changes in the past 12 years with the passing of my Dad and nephew, and your Mom, Dad and most recently Bob; but again life goes on. It just gives me a feeling of comfort to know that you were there in Heaven to help greet each of them.
Because of God's grace & mercy & Jesus' sacrifice, I know we too will someday continue our friendship in each others company.
Take care, Jan
Jan
Best Friend
July 5, 2019
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