Officer Ralph Dean, Mize Police Department, Mississippi

Officer Ralph Dean

Mize Police Department, Mississippi

End of Watch Tuesday, November 1, 1988

Ralph Dean

Officer Dean was shot and killed after being ambushed while sitting in his patrol car at a store on Highway 28 at 2:30 a.m. Another vehicle pulled up to the patrol car, the driver got out, and opened fire with a .223 caliber rifle.

The suspect fired 23 rounds, striking Officer Dean several times. Officer Dean was able to return fire before succumbing to his wounds. Officer Dean was located several hours later after officers from another agency were sent to locate him when he couldn't be reached by dispatchers.

The suspect was apprehended but released after serving only two years.

Officer Dean, a U.S. Army veteran, had been with the Mize Police Department for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, two children, parents, brother, and sister.

Bio

Age 46
Tour 10 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; .223 caliber
Offender Served only two years

ambush

Most Recent Reflection

View all 13 Reflections

Officer Dean your sacrifice will never be forgotten! Thank you for your dedicated service to the Citizens of and City of Mize! Continue to Rest in Peace Officer Catchings.
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of GOD." Matthew 5:9

Corporal Tony Dunn
Mississippi Highway Patrol, Troop D

November 1, 2015