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Officer Dies Days After Domestic Assault Call

OAK RIDGE, TN – Officer Ralph Braden, 58, succumbed while hospitalized to injuries sustained in the line of duty while responding to a domestic dispute on April 22.

Reports state that Braden was pursuing suspect Eddie Dean Patterson, 29, who was trying to escape from his mother’s apartment out of the first story window. Patterson was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, as well as resisting arrest, evading arrest, domestic assault, and aggravated trespassing because he had previously been ordered by property managers to stay off the property. Patterson may have to contend with more serious charges after the death of Officer Braden.

WBIR reports that Braden sustained a dislocated shoulder, which was treated on April 22. He was discharged from the hospital, but the following morning, his wife was unable to wake him and he was taken back to the hospital where doctors discovered a blood clot in his lung. He died Monday evening.

Morgan County Sheriff Glen Freytag released the following statement about the death of Captain Braden:

Captain Ralph Braden of the Wartburg Police Department passed away on May 2, 2011. Captain Braden will be missed greatly by the community where he lived and served. I had the honors of working with Captain Braden for the past 20 years. He was a great friend and fellow officer.

In any situation you could count on Captain Braden lending his assistance. He was always ready and prepared to serve and protect his community. 
Captain Braden was a great asset to the Wartburg Police Department and the community where he served. He was always willing to assist any agency that needed his help. We were fortunate to have Captain Braden as part of our team and he will be greatly missed by his fellow officers and the community.