Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota
End of Watch Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Add to My HeroesJames Ryan McCandless
Officer J. Ryan McCandless and Officer Nick Armstrong were shot and killed as they and another officer questioned four suspicious subjects at the intersection of East Anamosa and Greenbriar Streets at about 4:30 pm.
After several minutes a male subject in the group pulled out a concealed handgun and opened fire, striking all three officers before being wounded by return fire. The subject was shot and fatally wounded.
All three officers were transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Officer McCandless was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital, and Officer Nick Armstrong succumbed to his wounds five days later.
Officer McCandless had served with the Rapid City Police Department for six years. He is survived by his fiancée, parents, and sister and is buried in Midland City Cemetery, Midland, Michigan.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour 6 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 275 ReflectionsOfficer McCandless,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Officer who was also killed in that incident for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Rapid City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
August 2, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Sergeant Michael Moran
Cortez Police Department, CO
EOW: November 29, 2023

Detective James Michael Lett
Benton Police Department, AR
EOW: November 8, 2023

Border Patrol Agent Freddy Ortiz
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: November 14, 2023

Correctional Officer III Jovian Motley
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: November 13, 2023

Sergeant Jon Arden Jenson
Fort Worth Police Department, TX
EOW: October 28, 2023

Senior Police Officer Jorge Pastore
Austin Police Department, TX
EOW: November 11, 2023

Correctional Officer I Kelly Bernard Rolando
Missouri Department of Corrections, MO
EOW: October 22, 2023

Chief of Police Frank Hayes, Jr.
Goodland Police Department, KS
EOW: August 30, 2023

Lieutenant Milton Resendez
San Benito Police Department, TX
EOW: October 17, 2023