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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.
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- August 2, 2026
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- 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rocky Ripple Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1997, 5 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1997, 88 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1997, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 40. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Robert was 40. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.8% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Rocky Ripple Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Rocky Ripple Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Rocky Ripple Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
