Richard Scott Crittenden Sr., a 57-year-old White / Caucasian male, was a dedicated police officer whose life was tragically cut short on September 7, 2009. A nine-year veteran of the North St. Paul Police Department, Crittenden was known as a fatherly figure to his younger colleagues, always ready with a great sense of humor that could put anyone at ease. His commitment to public service extended beyond his time with the North St.
Paul Police, having previously served with the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office and as a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War.
On that fateful morning, Crittenden was responding to a domestic disturbance call. A woman had reported that a man was violating a protection order. When Crittenden and a fellow officer from the Maplewood Police Department arrived at the North Saint Paul apartment, they were confronted by the male suspect. The situation quickly escalated into a chaotic struggle as the suspect attempted to attack the woman who had called for help.
In his effort to protect the woman, a physical altercation ensued between Crittenden and the suspect. During the struggle, the suspect managed to gain control of Crittenden's service weapon. The man, identified as 35-year-old Devon Dockery, then opened fire, fatally wounding Officer Crittenden. The accompanying Maplewood officer was shot in the arm but was able to return fire, killing Dockery at the scene. Richard Scott Crittenden Sr. was the first officer in the history of the North St. Paul Police Department to be killed in the line of duty.
