"Detective Ridley was off duty when he observed a fight between two homeless men near the intersection of Court Street and Martine Avenue at approximately 5:00 pm in White Plains, New York on January 25, 2008. He exited his vehicle and attempted to break up the fight, but was then violently attacked by the aggressor. During the struggle, Detective Ridley's handgun fell to the ground and discharged, attracting the attention of four Westchester County police officers who were in an adjacent county building.
The officers approached the scene as Detective Ridley picked up his weapon from the ground. Not realizing that Detective Ridley was a police officer, the officers ordered him to drop his weapon and then fired when he did not immediately comply, fatally wounding him."
- Officer Down Memorial Page