Officer Richard Crittenden reportedly killed with his own gun

The St. Paul Pioneer Press (click link for article) is reporting that police officer Richard Crittenden, killed Labor Day (Sept. 7, 2009) while responding to a domestic disturbance and violation of an order for protection at the Aspen Village apartments near 7th Ave. E. and McKnight Rd. N., was murdered with his own gun while struggling with his killer.

Officer Rick died a hero. He put the safety of others ahead of his own and paid the ultimate price. The funeral service for Officer Crittenden will be held at 11 AM this Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at Aldrich Arena in Maplewood. Visitation will be held this Thursday the 10th at Sandberg Funeral Home in downtown North Saint Paul from 4 - 8 PM. Click on the links for maps of the visitation and funeral services. A memorial fund has been set up for the slain officer. Donations can be made at any Anchor Bank or mailed to Anchor Bank, 2700 Seventh Ave. E., North St. Paul, MN 55109.

The killer, Devon Dockery, pictured at left, had a long criminal history and was released from jail in August, according to news reports. Dockery served time in prison in 2003 on a charge of a felon in possession of a firearm. Dockery was reportedly killed by a Maplewood police officer who provided backup to Crittenden. The Maplewood officer sustained a gunshot wound to her arm or wrist. Dockery's brother, Anthony Lavelle Edwards (click link for prison inmate information), is currently serving a 35-year prison sentence for murdering his girlfriend. Dockery has four children with his former girlfriend, Carrie Wieland.

Dockery should have never been allowed back on the streets with his history of domestic violence and violating restraining orders. He was known to be a danger to others. The end result of the revolving door that is our justice system is a dead cop.