Roll of Honor
Incident
Colonel Robert Black and Sergeant Bryan Northern were shot and injured while working private security at an apartment complex at 4183 Edgemere Court in Indianapolis. The two officers had chased a man to an apartment after he caused a disturbance in the parking lot. They knocked on the door and identified themselves when a man inside opened fire on them. The subject had no involvement with the previous incident but had several outstanding warrants. Neither officer was wearing a bulletproof vest. Colonel Black shortly after being shot and Sergeant Northern succumbed to his wounds on March 23, 1997. The man who killed both officers was apprehended two days after the shooting. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life in prison with no parole. Colonel Black had served with the Rocky Ripple Police Department for eight years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-47D2EB0C- Stewardship
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- 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.
Colonel Black gave the Rocky Ripple Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rocky Ripple community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Colonel Black.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Colonel Robert G. Black 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 IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 61.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Rocky Ripple Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert G. Black's cause is highlighted.
How Robert G. Black Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert G. Black is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert G. Black was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Rocky Ripple Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
