Patrolman Ford was shot and killed when he encountered three robbery suspects near the intersection of West Street and South Street. He was on patrol when the three men, fleeing from a robbery at a nearby hotel, encountered him. The men immediately held him at gunpoint and told him to put up his hands. He was shot in the chest when he attempted to draw his service weapon.
The three suspects fled the scene but were eventually apprehended and charged with Patrolman Ford's murder. One of the suspects was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.