Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Ricky Ward was shot and killed while chasing a suspected shoplifter. During the chase, the suspect dropped a matchbox. Believing it contained narcotics, Patrolman Ward stopped to pick it up as evidence. The suspect's cousin was hiding in some bushes next to where Patrolman Ward was and opened fire with a .380 caliber automatic pistol. One round struck Patrolman Ward in the side, passing in between the panels of his vest, and penetrated his aorta. Patrolman Ward was transported to a local hospital, where he died approximately two hours later. The shoplifting suspect was never charged in Patrolman Ward's murder; however, the shooting suspect was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison. He is eligible for parole in 2028. Patrolman Ward had been employed with the Mexia Police Department for two years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-52F49134- 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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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Ward gave the Mexia Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mexia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Ward.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Ricky Lee Ward is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In TX, 1,461 of 2,422 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.3% of this state's fallen. That is 60.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Mexia Police Department, 2 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ricky Lee Ward's cause is highlighted.
How Ricky Lee Ward Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ricky Lee Ward is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ricky Lee Ward was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Mexia Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
