Officer Donald Ralph Kline

Donald Ralph Kline

Officer Donald Kline was shot and killed when he interrupted an armed robbery in a grocery store at the corner of Baltimore Street and Frederick Street at about 9:30 pm.

He was off duty and inside shopping when a man entered and robbed the owner. When the suspect left Officer Kline pursued him on foot. In the ensuing shootout, Officer Kline was struck three times in the chest and killed. The suspect, who was an escapee from Pennsylvania, was also wounded in the chest and taken into custody. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Officer Kline had served with the Hagerstown Police Department for 14 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.