Detective Ratliff and Officer Donald Gaskin were shot and killed while responding to a robbery call at a local grocery store. As the two suspects were inside the store Officer Gaskin arrived at the scene. The suspect ordered the store clerk to open the door and as Officer Gaskin entered he was shot by the suspect. Detective Ratliff and his partner arrived just as Officer Gaskin was shot. As the detectives ran for cover another shot was fired and struck Detective Ratliff. During an ensuing shootout two other officers were wounded and the two suspects were wounded. Officer Gaskin succumbed to his wounds before reaching the hospital. Detective Ratliff succumbed to his injuries approximately five hours later during surgery.