Missouri Highway Patrol Trooper Ralph C. Tatoian was killed after crashing on his way to a manhunt in Franklin County. Tatoian hit the back of a semi on westbound Interstate 44 near Pacific early in the morning. The truck driver had pulled over to help another driver, but the truck's trailer was still partially on the highway.

Tatoian couldn't swerve in time to avoid the crash. Tatoian, a member of the patrol's SWAT team, was headed to Franklin County, where authorities were searching for a violent armed robbery suspect. The deputy was investigating a burglary inside a building when he was shot.

Deputies say the bullet just grazed his head. He was taken to an area hospital where he is in good condition. Deputies say they chased the suspect onto Highway 50 and into Franklin County. Investigators say the suspect shot a deputy in Gasconade County, then fled to Franklin County where stop sticks punctured his tires. The suspect ditched the car and ran into some woods, where deputies found him around 6:00 a.m.

The deputy who was shot wasn't seriously hurt. Tatoian was a 10 year veteran of the Missouri Highway Patrol. This has been an especially difficult several months for troopers. Trooper Carl Graham was shot and killed last month in Van Buren, Missouri.

Tatoian leaves behind a wife and three children, including a newborn.

Agency Information:
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Public Affairs Office
1510 E. Elm Street
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-3313
 

To My Fallen Law Enforcement Brother there are many men and woman, who will arise to the occasion of "Keeping America's Highway's Safe." "God will be there for your family, trust me," So, I say to you now that you have the best job now of being a "Highway Trooper for Heaven, Protecting God's Highways To Him."

Mark Scott
Private Security Officer, CA
yodatwolf@yahoo.com

Date: 04/22/2005
Time: 02:13 PM


May you rest in peace and be welcomed at the gates of heaven. Our prayers go out to the family and the Troopers of the Great State of Missouri.

49th Military Police Brigade
Constable, Martin McGee, Anchorage, AK
martyak@gci.net

Date: 04/21/2005
Time: 01:29 AM


God Bless you Brother and our Prayers are with the family.

Retired Police Officer
Delaware State Police
Capt Paul C Cunningham
paul.cunningham1@comcast.net

Date: 04/20/2005
Time: 09:51 PM



Our prayers are with the family

US Federal Police (Retired) NV
Chief of Police, Tom Savage
copone@cox.net



My deepest sympathy and prayers are with the family.

Fred Cog
Bailiff, NY



I am sorry for the deep loss to the family, friends and comrades.

US Federal Police (Retired) NV
Chief of Police, Tom Savage
copone@cox.net



The easiest way for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing....Edmund Burke. There are people who think that we do the job to be heroes, or for personal gain. They could never understand that it is about the person next to you.

Reserve Officer, Sergeant Aaron King
Josephine County Sheriffs Office, OR
akingermx@hotmail.com



It is abundantly clear that ALL of your fallen officers shared a common thread - they were of the highest caliber yet modest and unassuming in the approach of their duties. I believe that for as long as such
men and women patrol your streets with such commitment and professionalism, then you have much to be proud of. My heart goes out to all the bereaved families, but be assured, there is someone in "every" corner of the world who cares!

Don W.
Howling@thesilverymoon.fsnet.co.uk
Wildlife Protection Ranger (UK)
Gloucestershire, United Kingdom



May your family find peace and strength.  I know how it feels to lose a family member in the line of duty.  My prayers are with you.  They will be blessed for all that they did for us while they were here and now they can all watch over us.

Lauren, LA
summer8219@hotmail.com



Your job on earth is done and you are safely in God's hands. You are now our guardian angel who watches over us in heaven. Your family and fellow officers are in our prayers. God bless.

Beverly "Jake" Smith, Retired Reserve Officer
Gainesville Police Dept. FL
smithbc@ci.gainesville.fl.us



Walk tall, walk tall and protect us from above with honor and dignity. May you lead the charge for
citizens right in heaven as you did here on earth

Darrell Thompson
Privet Security Officer St. Clair Co. MI,
Community College Campus Patrol #14
darrell@policespecial.com
www.sc4.edu



Rest in peace, and may God allow him to keep watch over us on earth while he patrols his beat
in heaven. Our prayers go out to the Officer's Department family and friends. May they all find peace in their hearts soon.

From all the Staff at Police Special Inc.