Patrolman Ricky Lee Ward, Mexia Police Department, Texas

Patrolman Ricky Lee Ward

Mexia Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Monday, August 2, 1993

Ricky Lee Ward

Patrolman Ricky Ward was shot and killed while chasing a suspected shoplifter.

During the chase the suspect dropped a match box. Believing it contained narcotics, Patrolman Ward stopped to pick it up as evidence. The suspect's cousin was hiding in some bushes next to where Patrolman Ward was and opened fire with a .380 caliber automatic pistol. One round struck Patrolman Ward in the side, passing in-between the panels of his vest, and penetrated his aorta.

Patrolman Ward was transported to a local hospital where he died approximately two hours later. The shoplifting suspect was never charged in Patrolman Ward's murder, however; the shooting suspect was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Patrolman Ward had been employed with the Mexia Police Departmentfor two years.

Bio

Age 33
Tour 2 years
Badge 308

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .380 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

View all 14 Reflections

I remember this so well My husband Marvin Foley was also a police officer We were all heart broken The wifes of the officers all came together & formed the Policer Officers Wifes acc.For one reason because we didn,t want another officer to die because he did not have a proper vest.We collected money from all who would help to buy the vests for our officers.We collected enuff money that we got vests for all our officers.It was a sad but blessed time for the officers & familys & people of Mexia.

Shirley Foley
Wife of police officer

August 2, 2017