Master Trooper David Edward Rich

Master Trooper David Edward Rich

Indiana State Police, Indiana

End of Watch Thursday, July 5, 2007

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David Edward Rich

Master Trooper David Rich was shot and killed while investigating an apparently 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

suspicious vehicle

Most Recent Reflection

View all 529 Reflections

Hey Dave,
Fifteen years; hard to believe!!! There have been so many events; so many changes. Your family, friends, co-workers and even the general public still remember.
You and your family my friend have not been forgotten. Because of God's grace, mercy and sacrifice, we will catch up later.
For now, I got this, take care, Jan

Jan
Best Friend

July 5, 2022

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