Police Officer William L. Ryan

William L. Ryan

Police Officer William Ryan was stabbed by a suspect while walking his beat on Gay Street near Baltimore Street.

Officer Ryan observed the suspect with a butcher knife when without warning the suspect plunged the knife into the Officer's stomach and chest. Although mortally wounded the officer grappled with his assailant until he collapsed and fell to the sidewalk. He died a few minutes later at Mercy Hospital.

The suspect, 37, was arrested at the scene but subsequently was declared not guilty by reason of insanity.

Officer Ryan had served with the agency for 19 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.