Patrolman Richard Ross succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning after his exhaust pipe was damaged. He had just completed investigating an accident on U.S. 287 near Hugo and backed his vehicle over a bent sign post. The impact punched a hole through the exhaust pipe. Realizing he damaged the cruiser he called for his supervisor and left the engine running while finishing his report. Two passing truck drivers found Patrolman Ross unconscious and called for assistance but Patrolman Ross had succumbed to the poisoning at the scene.
Patrolman Ross had been with the agency for 16 months.
