Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Friday, February 5, 1999
Add to My HeroesRichard Daniel Scalf
Officer Richard Scalf was shot and killed at about 1:20 p.m. while attempting to arrest a suspect in a prostitution sting at Chene and Hendrie Streets.
The suspect was the passenger in a truck who had propositioned a female officer posing as a prostitute. The female officer signaled the five backup officers, who then stopped the suspect's truck. When the truck stopped, Officer Scalf and Officer Diaz Graves had the occupants line up against the vehicle for a search. During this time, the passenger reached into his pants, retrieved a gun, and opened fire, striking Officer Graves in the head and critically wounding him.
Officer Scalf took a defensive position next to a nearby truck and exchanged fire with the suspect. One of the suspect's rounds struck Officer Scalf in the hand, severing a finger and causing him to drop his service weapon. As he reached down to retrieve his service weapon, another round struck him in the left shoulder through a gap in his vest. The suspect then ran, but other officers on the scene returned fire, killing the suspect.
Officer Scalf succumbed to his wounds while being transported to a local hospital.
Officer Scalf had served with the Detroit Police Department for three years. He is survived by his parents, two brothers, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 3 years
- Badge 2776
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 53 ReflectionsI would like to start by saying Thank you for your service Officer Scalf, I am currently a Student Police Officer at Detroit Police Training Center and I got you for silent partner. I will carry your memory with me for as long as i am active and even after, and to your loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Student Police Officer Hassan
Detroit Police Training Center
July 5, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Detective Joseph Azcona
Newark Police Division, NJ
EOW: March 7, 2025

Police Officer Felicia Dee Reilly
Saint Paul Police Department, MN
EOW: March 1, 2025

Deputy Sergeant Martin Shields, Jr.
Hinds County Sheriff's Office, MS
EOW: February 23, 2025

Police Officer Christopher M. L. Reese
Virginia Beach Police Department, VA
EOW: February 22, 2025

Police Officer Cameron Robert Girvin
Virginia Beach Police Department, VA
EOW: February 22, 2025

Patrolman Andrew William Duarte
West York Borough Police Department, PA
EOW: February 22, 2025

Trooper Kyle McAcy
Nebraska State Patrol, NE
EOW: February 17, 2025

Police Officer Jeremy R. Labonte
Roswell Police Department, GA
EOW: February 7, 2025

Officer Jason Roscow
North Las Vegas Police Department, NV
EOW: February 4, 2025