Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer James Ruby was killed in an accident when his cruiser was struck head on by a speeding car he was looking for. While on patrol, Officer Ruby responded to a radio call from an Allen Parish sheriff's deputy who was pursuing a black 1992 Ford Mustang into the city after clocking it at 80 mph on U.S. Highway 165, north of Oakdale. The Mustang had extinguished its lights in an attempt to evade the deputy. Seconds after receiving the radio transmission, the Mustang slammed head-on into Officer Ruby's marked patrol car. The impact instantly killed Officer Ruby and the Mustang driver, who was 20 years old. Two passengers in the Mustang, ages 27 and 17, were hospitalized. Alcohol and speed were believed to be factors in the crash; an ice chest and beer cans were found in the Mustang. Troopers estimate the speed of the Mustang at a minimum of 75 mph and Officer Ruby's patrol unit at 30 to 35 mph.
Survivors
Officer Ruby had served with the agency for nine years and was survived by his parents and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-LA-B510C984- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Ruby gave the Oakdale Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Oakdale community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Ruby.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer James Duane Ruby, Jr. is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In LA, 364 of 595 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.2% of this state's fallen. That is 7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Oakdale Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Duane Ruby, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How James Duane Ruby, Jr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Duane Ruby, Jr. is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Duane Ruby, Jr. was killed by automobile.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Oakdale Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
