Jan 29, 2008 7:47 pm US/Eastern
Mt. Vernon Cop Posthumously Promoted To Detective
Christopher Ridley Was Killed By 'Friendly Fire' Friday Night
MT. VERNON, N.Y. (CBS) ―
An emotional tribute was held Tuesday for the off-duty Mt. Vernon police officer killed Friday night by "friendly fire."
To honor the life of 23-year-old Christopher Ridley, police posthumously promoted the officer to detective, presenting his family with the gold detective's shield carried to them by officer Aristotle Evans, one of Ridley's close friends.
"It was an honor. You have some pain, sadness and grief. He was a great officer and a great friend," Evans told CBS 2.
Ridley's family accepted the shield, something they'd always hoped he would earn, though under far different circumstances. The rookie cop was gunned down in front of the White Plains Social Services building by Westchester Co. police while he was off-duty and trying to break up a dispute between two men.
"This badge gives validation to the fact that Chris acted properly and went above and beyond the call of duty," said Danielle Scholar, Ridley's cousin. "He understood that once you take the oath you are never off-duty.
Investigators continue to piece together the tragic chain of events that led to Ridley's death. They say it began when Ridley tried to subdue Anthony Jacobs, who was violently assaulting another man.
Sources say Ridley, who was in street clothes at the time, ran into the county office building to summon help, then may have gone to his car to get his gun. At some point thereafter, Ridley's 9 mm service weapon discharged once or twice as he struggled with him in front of the building on 85 Court Street.
Four county cops converged on the scene, witnesses say, but Ridley did not identify himself or comply when cops yelled.
"They were telling him, 'Drop the gun, drop the gun.' He seemed disoriented, wasn't listening. He was aiming the gun at the guy on the ground," said a witness who only identified herself as "Cathy."
The four county officers opened fire, shooting 10 or 11 times. Ridley was hit by at least four.
White Plains police went room-to-room in the county office building Tuesday, seeking additional witnesses to the shooting. They're also reviewing extensive surveillance video that captured much of the incident.
Mt. Vernon's mayor says despite the questions, he's certain Ridley acted bravely and deserves the posthumous promotion.
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