Trooper David Bruce Ladner, Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Trooper David Bruce Ladner

Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Mississippi Highway Patrol, Mississippi

End of Watch Sunday, April 12, 1987

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David Bruce Ladner

Trooper Ladner was shot and killed on I-10, in Harrison County, by a suspect who turned out to be wanted in Florida. During the stop Trooper Ladner asked the driver for consent to search the vehicle. The suspect then produced a .38 caliber revolver and shot Trooper Ladner in the chest, knocking him to the ground. He shot him a second time and then stole his service weapon and patrol car.

Although mortally wounded, Trooper Ladner was able to flag down a passing motorist, who transported him to a local hospital. He succumbed to his wounds two days later.

The suspect was convicted of Trooper Ladner's murder and sentenced to death. He was executed on July 17, 2002.

Trooper Ladner had been with the agency for 9 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

A section of US Highway 49, in Harrison County, was dedicated in Trooper Ladner's memory.

Bio

Age 33
Tour 9 years
Badge K-34

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Friday, April 10, 1987
Weapon Handgun
Offender Executed in 2002

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I graduated patrol school in 1978 with Trooper Ladner. He was one of the better Cadets in our school. Trooper Ladner put his life on line for the law in which his oath of office required him to do. May we never forget the sacrifices he made for all. God bless those of his family... I can still she those bright piercing blue eyes with that teeth showing smile he had...Sooo long ago... may we meet again in the Bye and Bye......Hays Stewart

Master Sgt. Hays Stewart
Mississippi Highway Patrol

April 12, 2020