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Maryland Department of State Police

Trooper First Class Lauren M. Ridge

Ridge, Lauren M.

Trooper First Class | End of Watch: 7/14/1950

End of Watch: 7/14/1950
Age: 28
Years of Service: 4
Cause of Death: Gunfire
National Memorial Panel: 43-E: 2

Trooper First Class Ridge was shot disarming a deranged man. Two tax assessors had reported to the property of Steve Orris to value it. Mr. Orris met them with a rifle and fired a shot. Trooper First Class Ridge was called to the scene. He tried to disarm Orris and a scuffle took place. Ridge obtained possession of the rifle, but Orris pulled a revolver and shot Ridge five times at close range. Occurred at the Orris home on Northern Avenue, north of Hagerstown.​