Officer Ronald L. Tracey

On this day in Baltimore Police History 1981, we lost our brother Police  Officer Ronald L. Tracey to gun fire based on the following 

Western District Officer Ronald L. Tracey, 28, was murdered as he investigated a property damage accident at Monroe and Baker Streets shortly before midnight on July 20, 1981. As about 11:15 p.m. he responded to that location to process the accident scene. As is normal for this type of incident on a warm summer night, a number of citizens gathered to watch as wreckers were called to the scene to remove inoperable vehicles. Those who had been involved in the accident provided Officer Tracey with the appropriate information. There was no tension and no problems. Things remained “routine” until about 11:45 p.m. when a citizen came out of the crowd and snuck up behind the Officer who was concentrating on the work at hand. He jumped the officer and a life and death struggle began. Officer Tracey was able to broadcast one frantic call for assistance. He did not have time to identify himself or give his location. The assailant wrestled the officer’s service revolver from its holster and shot the officer in the stomach and in the head. Witnesses later told investigating detectives that while this was occurring, the crowd retreated, with not one citizen coming to the assistance of the officer. Citizens did call Police Communications, which dispatched appropriate units. Officer Tracey was transported to Lutheran Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Investigating officers and detectives recovered his service revolver about two blocks from the scene of the homicide. Citizens called police with information regarding the possible identity of the assailant and throughout the early morning hours, police searched for him. At 5:00 a.m. on July 21, 1981, Northeastern District Officers located and arrested the man as he slept on the floor of Northeast Baltimore residence. He was apprehended and detained in Baltimore City Jail.

He will forever be missed, but never will he be forgotten by us his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department.. God Bless and Rest in Peace.