Officer Ralphael Girard was shot and seriously wounded as he attempted to investigate two trespassers.

On October 7, 1900 at about 7:45 pm, Officer Girard and another man was were walking his beat in the Burlington Railroad yard after the K Line freight had just arrived. Officer Girard and the man, identified as Martin, crossed the tracks to avoid a moving switch engine when they encountered two men walking along the tracks. Officer Girard hailed the men, calling 'Good evening gentlemen,' as the two men closed within a few feet of Officer Girard and Martin. Both of the men drew revolvers and ordered Officer Girard and Martin to 'throw up your hands.' Officer Girard immediately reached for his pocket to obtain his revolver. Martin reported that he heard a gunshot and then Martin, who was unarmed, leapt forward to one of the men and grabbed for his gun, redirecting it as it went off narrowly missing Martin's ear. Martin was propelled by the forward momentum and fell down an embankment. When Martin recovered and returned to Officer Girard who advised Martin he had been shot. Martin could. with two gunshot wounds, one of which injured his spine causing paralysis. He was taken to his home.

Officer Girard succumbed to gunshot wounds received two months earlier when he attempted to arrest two trespassers in the Burlington Railroad yards. Both suspects escaped. The wounds caused him to become paralyzed and he died from his wounds on December 16, 1900.

It was later discovered that the two suspects had escaped from the Bowling Green Jail where they were awaiting trial for the murder of Officer Lowell Pew of the Louisiana, Missouri, Police Department, on February 14, 1900.

Officer Girard was assigned to the Night Force of the South Side. He was survived by his wife, two small children, parents, and six siblings. Interred: Oakland Cemetery, Moberly, Missouri.