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Incident
Patrolman Michael Ren was shot and killed after being called to assist a Lincoln County Sheriff's Office deputy serving two felony warrants on a recently released mental patient. The subject was wanted for violating the terms of his release from a state mental health facility. Patrolman Ren spotted the subject driving a pickup truck, and a high-speed chase ensued. During the chase, the subject retrieved a .308 rifle from inside the cab of his pickup and opened fire on both officers. Five rounds struck Patrolman Ren's patrol car before the subject crashed in the town of Eureka. As Patrolman Ren pulled up, the subject jumped from his truck and shot Ren in the abdomen with the .308; the round traveled between the back panels of his Kevlar vest. The suspect ran to a nearby residence and took the household hostage. Officers from the sheriff's department, Highway Patrol, and U.S. Border Patrol surrounded the place. After six hours, the suspect released his hostages but remained barricaded inside the house. Three canisters of tear gas were fired into the home, and the suspect surrendered. The suspect was charged with the murder of a police officer and was committed to a mental institution. He was later released and committed suicide. Patrolman Ren was a United States Air Force veteran who served with the Montana Highway Patrol for six years assigned to District VI and previously served as a police officer in Columbia Falls, Montana, for two years. He was survived by his wife, a 5-year-old son, and his parents. In 2000 Patrolman Ren's son joined the Montana Highway Patrol.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, a 5-year-old son, and his parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtppmbrnc2jqpjs4wd15d- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Air Force. One record, 2 gates. Michael is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Ren gave the Montana Highway Patrol 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Montana, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Michael Marion Ren served in the U.S. Air Force (1965â1969) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Montana Highway Patrol has lost 8 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Michael is one of 93 officers killed feloniously in MT, 65.5% of the 142 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Michael is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1978, 1 officer at Montana Highway Patrol was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1978, 1 officer in MT was killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 58 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 6.
In 1978, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1978, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 30. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Montana Highway Patrol whose age is recorded, half were between 24 and 30; the middle age was 28. Michael had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 2.5 years.
Michael was 30. Of the 81 killed feloniously in MT whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 47; the middle age was 39. Michael had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Michael was 30. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 30. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 20% of these deaths at Montana Highway Patrol; November holds the most, 20%. Saturdays: 40%.
April holds 11.8% of these deaths in MT; December holds the most, 15.1%. Saturdays: 16.1%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 8 deaths at Montana Highway Patrol, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.5% of all 142 deaths in MT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 14% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Montana Highway Patrol has 8 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Military Service
Michael Marion Ren served in the U.S. Air Force (1965–1969) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Michael Marion Ren’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Montana Highway Patrol are honored on badge.nw.
