In the late spring of 1982, a somber mood fell over the community of Roseville, Minnesota, with the tragic death of one of its own. Bruce M. Russell, a 28-year-old White / Caucasian male, lost his life on Sunday, May 16, 1982. A dedicated police officer for the Roseville Police Department, he had been serving the community for a year.
On that fateful day, Officer Russell was engaged in a vehicle pursuit. The chase concluded when the suspect's vehicle crashed. As Officer Russell got out of his patrol car, the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding him. Despite being struck, Officer Russell managed to return fire and injure the assailant before succumbing to his injuries.
The man responsible for Officer Russell's death was subsequently taken into custody. He was later convicted for his actions and ultimately died while serving his sentence in prison. Officer Russell was survived by his wife and their 2-year-old daughter, his memory living on within the community he served.
