Kevin E. Ambrose, a 55-year-old Caucasian male, was a 36-year veteran of the Springfield Police Department. On June 4, 2012, he responded to a domestic disturbance call at the Lawton Arms Apartments on Lawton Street in Springfield, Massachusetts. A woman had called 911 because her ex-boyfriend, Shawn Bryan, was at her apartment, and she was in fear for her life, having just obtained a restraining order against him.
Upon his arrival, Officer Ambrose met the woman, Charlene Mitchell, and her ex-boyfriend, 35-year-old Shawn Bryan, who was a New York City corrections officer. The restraining order allowed Bryan to retrieve his belongings, so Officer Ambrose escorted them to the apartment. When they reached the door, Bryan pushed Mitchell inside and slammed the door, leaving Ambrose in the hallway. As Officer Ambrose attempted to force the door open, Bryan fired a handgun through the door, striking him. Bryan then opened the door and shot Ambrose again.
After shooting Officer Ambrose, Bryan also shot and wounded Mitchell inside the apartment. He then fled the apartment and went to his car, where he died by suicide. Responding officers found Officer Ambrose and Mitchell and began CPR. Both were transported to a local hospital, where Officer Ambrose succumbed to his wounds. Mitchell survived the shooting. The lives of both the mother and her child were saved due to Officer Ambrose's actions. Because the suspect took his own life, there were no arrests or a trial for the murder of Officer Ambrose.
