On the night of April 5, 1986, Officer Gordon Joseph Rich, 45, was fatally shot with his own service weapon during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 70 in Columbus, Ohio. The shooting occurred around 12:30 a.m. after Officer Rich had placed two men in the back seat of his cruiser, unaware they had just committed a robbery. One of the suspects, 25-year-old James Lumpkin Rattler, gained control of the officer’s handgun and shot him multiple times, including twice in the head.

Officer Rich tried to call for help on his police radio but was unable to speak. A witness who followed the suspects provided information that led to their apprehension. Officer Rich had served 23 years with the Columbus Division of Police and is survived by his wife, two children, and two stepchildren.

Anyone who knew Officer Rich or has information about the case is asked to come forward.