Lieutenant Ryan was shot and killed after arresting a suspect. He and a police captain had approached the suspect and another man, who both began to run when they recognized the officers. Lieutenant Ryan caught the man as he attempted to climb over a fence. After quickly frisking the suspect Lieutenant Ryan began walking him to a police call box. The suspect suddenly turned and shot him four times, fatally wounding him.
Hearing the shots, the captain stopped chasing the other suspect and returned to the scene. Lieutenant Ryan was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The suspect was arrested a few days later and charged with murder.
Lieutenant Ryan had been with the agency for 20 years.