Police Officer James Duane Ruby, Jr.

James Duane Ruby, Jr.

Officer James Ruby was killed in an accident when his cruiser was struck head on by a speeding car he was looking for.

While on patrol, Officer Ruby responded to a radio call from an Allen Parish sheriff's deputy who was pursuing a black 1992 Ford Mustang into the city after clocking it at 80 mph on U.S. Highway 165, north of Oakdale. The Mustang had extinguished its lights in an attempt to evade the deputy. Seconds after receiving the radio transmission, the Mustang slammed head-on into Officer Ruby's marked patrol car. The impact instantly killed Officer Ruby and the Mustang driver, who was 20 years old.

Two passengers in the Mustang, ages 27 and 17, were hospitalized. Alcohol and speed were believed to be factors in the crash; an ice chest and beer cans were found in the Mustang. Troopers estimate the speed of the Mustang at a minimum of 75 mph and Officer Ruby's patrol unit at 30 to 35 mph.

Officer Ruby had served with the agency for nine years and was survived by his parents and sister.