Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Russell Blanchard was shot and killed while responding to a robbery call at a local store at 17906 John R Street. Three suspects had forced the store employees into the manager's office. As Detective Blanchard and his partner entered the store one of the suspects opened fire, striking Detective Blanchard. As the three suspects fled, the one who shot Detective Blanchard was subdued by another officer arriving on the scene with a flying tackle. The suspect died later at the hospital from injuries he sustained while being subdued. Detective Blanchard was transported to Highland Park General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Detective Blanchard had served with the Detroit Police Department for 22 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, four brothers, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MI-AF57AA83- 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
22 years. You could have gone home.
Detective Blanchard gave the Detroit Police Department 22 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Detroit community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Blanchard.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Russell Blanchard 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 MI, 426 of 718 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.3% of this state's fallen. That is 5.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Detroit Police Department, 177 of 250 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Russell Blanchard's cause is highlighted.
How Russell Blanchard Compares
Offender Outcome
Deceased
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Russell Blanchard is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Russell Blanchard was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
249 officers from Detroit Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
