Ricky Lee Ward, a 33-year-old male police officer with the Mexia Police Department in Texas, tragically died on August 2, 1993. Officer Ward was shot and killed while pursuing a suspected shoplifter. During the chase, the suspect dropped a matchbox, which Officer Ward believed contained narcotics. He stopped to pick it up as evidence, but the suspect's cousin, who was hiding nearby, opened fire with a .380 caliber automatic pistol.
One of the bullets struck Officer Ward in the side, passing between the panels of his vest and penetrating his aorta. Despite being transported to a local hospital, Officer Ward succumbed to his injuries approximately two hours later.
The shoplifting suspect was never charged in Officer Ward's murder. However, the cousin who fired the shots was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison. Officer Ward had served with the Mexia Police Department for two years and was remembered fondly by his colleagues and community for his dedication and service.
Officer Ward's death had a profound impact on the community and his fellow officers. In response to his death, the wives of the officers formed the Police Officers' Wives Association to ensure that other officers had proper protective vests. This tragic event highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and led to increased efforts to provide them with better safety equipment.
Officer Ricky Lee Ward's legacy continues to be honored by those who knew him and by the law enforcement community at large. His sacrifice is remembered as a testament to his commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of Mexia, Texas.
