Officer Michael J. Ratikan
Oklahoma City Police Department
Oklahoma
End of Watch: Monday, June 14, 1971
Cause: Gunfire

Biographical Info
Age: Not available
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Officer Ratikan was shot and killed after he and his partner stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. During routine questioning, the driver fled on foot. Officer Ratikan caught the driver and began struggling with him as the driver's brother emerged from the car and fired a .25 caliber automatic pistol. Officer Ratikan was struck and died almost instantly. Officer Ratikan's partner returned fire as the occupants fled. The suspect escaped; however he was later captured, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.