Officer Donald Ralph Kline, Hagerstown Police Department, Maryland

Officer Donald Ralph Kline

Hagerstown Police Department, Maryland

End of Watch Saturday, December 13, 1975

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Donald Ralph Kline

Officer Donald Kline was shot and killed when he interrupted an armed robbery in a grocery store at the corner of Baltimore Street and Frederick Street at about 9:30 pm.

He was off duty and inside shopping when a man entered and robbed the owner. When the suspect left, Officer Kline pursued him on foot. In the ensuing shootout, Officer Kline was struck three times in the chest and killed.

The suspect, who was an escapee from Pennsylvania, was also wounded in the chest and taken into custody. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Officer Kline was a United States Marine Corps Korean War veteran and had served with the Hagerstown Police Department for 14 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 14 years
Badge 19
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .25 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

escapee, foot pursuit, off duty, robbery

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Kline,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC during the Korean War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

December 14, 2025