Investigator Michael W. Ridges, a 29-year-old white male, was tragically killed on October 17, 1985, in Forest Park, Illinois. He was an investigator with the Cook County Sheriff's Police Department and had served for five years. On the day of his death, Investigator Ridges was reviewing a series of vandalism incidents around a home in Prospect Heights. During his investigation, he noticed a car with three men inside who matched the descriptions of the vandals. He called in a description of the vehicle and proceeded to stop it. As he was checking the identities of the men, one of them drew a concealed gun and shot Investigator Ridges once in the head and once in the hand, fatally wounding him.
The suspects were apprehended shortly after the incident, thanks to Investigator Ridges' initial radio description and a witness account. It was later revealed that the three men were on their way to commit a contract murder at the home where Investigator Ridges was investigating the vandalism. The investigation led to significant legal actions: one of the suspects was sentenced to life in prison, while another received a 40-year prison sentence.
Investigator Ridges' death was a profound loss to his community and the Cook County Sheriff's Police Department. He was survived by his wife, and his sacrifice is remembered and honored by his colleagues and the community he served.
