Officer Sergio A. Antillon

Officer Sergio Arturo Antillo
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: El Paso, Tx, April 3, 1985
Cause of Death: Struck by DWI motorist
End of Watch: Thursday, October 29, 2010
Date of Incident: Thursday, October 14, 2010
Age: 25
Badge Number: 224
Tour of Duty: Graduated August 20, 2010 SAPD Academy
Suspect Info: Sandra Coy Briggs, charged with Intoxication Manslaughter
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Buried: Resurrection Cemetery at Cordi-Marian
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF:
TPOM:

On October 14, 2010 Officer Sergio Antillon, was headed home following his shift around 3 a.m. when he noticed a stranded motorist in the 7500 block of NW Loop 410, near West Military Drive. Antillon and the motorist were out of their vehicles. An on-duty San Antonio police officer also stopped to help. As the on-duty officer walked toward the scene from one side, Sandra Coy Briggs, who was at the time under the influence, drove toward the scene from the other side and plowed into the group hitting both Officer Antillon and the motorist. Briggs missed hitting the on-duty officer but managed to strike his patrol car. The motorist was thrown over the guardrail and Officer Antillon was slammed into the guardrail.

Officer Antillon was transported to University Hospital and under went surgery in an attempt to save his life. Officer Antillon remained unconscious until his death.

Sandra Coy Briggs, 58, was charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter. Briggs was being held in the Bexar County Jail in lieu of bonds totaling $60,000.

"He stopped while going home off the late shift at 3 a.m. and stopped to assist someone on the highway, and yet, unfortunately, regrettably, he's struck by someone who's impaired," Police Chief William McManus.

McManus praised the Officer Antillon for his actions said he did everything correctly.

Officer Antillon was survived by his parents, grandparents, sisters, nieces, nephews and girlfriend.

In honor of those who gave all...

The purpose of this blog is to preserve the memory of Texas Peace Officer's killed in the line of duty within Bexar County. It has been a long journey researching the stories of each officer. In researching each story and finding the details of their tragic sacrifice, we have discovered intresting information on some. Starting on the first day of National Law Enforcement Week May, 9 to May 15, 2010; 10 or 11 random officers' stories will be posted until we have placed all 73 officers. There after, their story will be republished on the aniversary date they were taken from us, preffered with information about their life as we continue to gather new information.

This journey has been touching as I came across paths with the mother of one of our officers; who stated not only did she lose her oldest daughter but her youngest son. Each serving as Texas Peace Officer's, one from San Antonio Police Department and the other with Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Her daughter was the first female officer killed in the line of duty and her son was killed as a result of a domestic situation. She stated she had prayed no one forget her children. Ms. Calderon was informed they never will be.....but I ask those who knew any of our officers or have any information about our officers, please emaill to BCTPOM@yahoo.com or visit us on Facebook.

Officer Robert A. Davis

Officer Robert A. Davis
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: July 26, 1982
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
End of Watch: Monday, December 1, 2008
Date of Incident: Friday, November 28, 2008
Age: 26
Badge Number: 1256
Tour of Duty: 1 yr
Suspect Info: Not Available
Weapon Used: Not Available
Buried: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF:
TPOM:

Officer Robert Davis succumbed to injuries sustained four days earlier when he was struck by a patrol car while clearing flares at the scene of an earlier accident.

A nearby officer was responding to backup another officer at a shoplifting call when his patrol car collided with another vehicle near the intersection of Potranco Road and Hunt Lane. The collision knocked the patrol car into Officer Davis.

Officer Davis was transported to a local hospital where he was put on life support. He was removed from life support four days later and died as a result of his injuries.

The officer driving the patrol car was also seriously injured in the crash.

Officer Davis had served with the San Antonio Police Department for 1 year. He is survived by his wife, of whom he was married to for one year.-----source San Antonio Express News

Obituary from the San Antonio Express-News:
Officer Robert A. Davis, age 26, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2008. Robert served his God, proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps and dedicated himself to his community as a San Antonio Police Officer. He was an exceptional person, always caring and loving. Robert was very devoted to his wife, Simona and family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Simona Davis; his two mutts, Peter and Paul; his Mom and Dad, Romeo and Isabel Rosales; his loving family: Alfredo and Libni, Soraya and Selma Ortiz Valles; Romeo, Deodelee and Romeito Rosales; Wendy and Rickey Rosales; his Mother, Rita Carter; sisters: Samantha Davis and Georgia Clinton; Aunt Tracy Brown and numerous other family members.

Served as a Cpl. in the U.S. Marine Corps. and was a Verteran of the Persian Gulf War.

Detective Mario Moreno

Detective Mario Moreno
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: July 22, 1970
Cause of Death: Gunfire
End of Watch: Friday, September 21, 2007
Date of Incident: Friday, September 21, 2007
Age: 37
Badge Number: 2459
Tour of Duty: 11 yrs
Suspect Info: Jimmy Garcia, Shot and killed
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Buried: Unknown
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF:
TPOM:

Detective Mario Moreno was shot and killed while attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a suspect who had shot his girlfriend the previous day.

At 1:45 p.m. Detective Moreno, along with other officers assigned to the Repeat Offender Program, went to the Villas of St. Moritz at 7221 Lamb Road, apartment complex where the Jimmy Garcia was hiding. With the assistance of a person who new Garcia, the suspect was lured out into the parking lot. When the Garcia spotted the officers, he fled on foot, with Detective Moreno in close pursuit. During the chase, the Garcia drew a concealed shotgun that was pressed against his body and opened fire, striking Detective Moreno in the face. Other officers returned fire, killing Garcia. ---source San Antonio Express News

Detective Moreno was transported to University Hospital, but died from his wounds a short time later.

Detective Moreno was survived by his loving wife of 12 years, his son (age 8) and his daughter (age 4), father and mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brothers and sisters.

Detective Moreno was born on July 22, 1970 in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from McCollum High School, Mario enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm and completed 4 years of honorable service.

Detective Moreno's life ambition was to "give back to his community" of San Antonio. While completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice at Wayland Baptist University, He joined the San Antonio Police Department in 1996. He had recently been promoted to detective in June 2007. -----source Officer Moreno's obituary

Officer Valentine D. Lopez

Officer Valentine (Val) D. Lopez Jr.
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: 1952
Cause of Death: Gunfire
End of Watch: Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Date of Incident: Thursday, February 17, 1977
Age: 54
Badge Number: 287
Tour of Duty: 31 years
Suspect Info: Jack Barber; Sentenced to life
Weapon Used: Handgun
Buried: Mission Park South Cemetery
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF:
TPOM:

On February 17, 1977, Officer Val Lopez, Jr., responded to a call in regards to a man with a gun at a bar. He was initially the cover officer but was closer, so he reached the scene first. According to witnesses, as soon as Officer Lopez entered the bar, the suspect began to shoot. Officer Lopez was shot twice. One bullet struck his abdomen and the other hit his badge first before striking his chest.

The suspect was identified as 41-year-old Jack Barber. He was charged and convicted with attempt to Commit Capital Murder. He was sentenced to life in prison and has since died.

While Officer Lopez eventually returned to duty and served another 29 years, he never fully recovered from the wound to his abdomen. Officer Lopez developed complications during surgery and died on June 21, 2006.

Officer Lopez leaves behind a wife and two daughters. He was buried in the Mission Park South Cemetery in San Antonio.

Officer Lopez served as a Sergeant First Calvary Division in the U.S. Army. Officer Lopez joined SAPD on August 15, 1975; his assignments included Patrol Division, Repeat Offenders Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Narcotics Unit. ----source San Antonio Express News and Officer Lopez’s obituary

Officer John R. Wheeler

Officer John Randolph Wheeler
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: April 2, 1964
Cause of Death: Vehicular Assault
End of Watch: Friday, October 14, 2005
Date of Incident: Friday, October 14, 2005
Age: 41
Badge Number: 1093
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Suspect Info: Killed in the accident
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Buried: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P4-W25
TPOM:

Officer John Wheeler was killed in an automobile accident when his patrol car was struck from behind by a 1994 Chevrolet Caprice that was traveling at an estimated 100 mph on Loop 410 near Culebra. Officer Wheeler was running radar at the time of the 2:00 am crash. Both vehicles burst into flames after the impact.

Officer Wheeler was able to send a distress signal from his radio after the collision but was trapped in the vehicle and unable to respond to dispatch. Officer Wheeler's wife was the dispatcher who received the distress call initiated a GPS search and located his vehicle. Emergency crews where unable to rescue him from his burning cruiser. The other driver, who had a BAC over twice the legal limit, was also killed.

In 2003, he had been shot and wounded in the line of duty while responding to a robbery call. Officer Wheeler received the Purple Heart for "Valor in the Line of Duty". He was struck in the neck and leg by 2 of 21 bullets fired at him by men with AK-47s as they fled a robbery.

Officer John Wheeler is survived by his wife Kim Wheeler and two daughters Shayla and Mariah from his first marriage.

Officer Wheeler was born in Montague, Massachusetts to Clifford and Margaret Wheeler. He had two siblings, Jeff Wheeler and Nicole Wheeler Bender. He was married to Kimberly Wheeler, a dispatcher for the SAPD. Officer Wheeler served in the U.S. Air Force for 11 years. He was a veteran of the Persian Gulf War ----source San Antonio Express News

On August 16, 2008, The City of San Antonio renamed Chestnut Springs Park to Officer John Randolph Wheeler Park located 10239 Ingram Road, in honor of Officer Wheeler.


Served as a SSGT in the U.S. Air Force and was a Verteran of the Persian Gulf War.

Deputy Jesus A. Garza

Deputy Sheriff Jesus "Jesse" A. Garza, Jr.
Bexar County Sheriff's Department, TX
Born: December 10, 1970
Cause of Death: Automobile accident
End of Watch: Friday, December 26, 2003
Date of Incident: Friday, December 26, 2003
Age: 33
Badge Number: 1357
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Suspect Info: N/A
Weapon Used: N/A
Buried: San Fernando Cemetery #2
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P33 - E23
TPOM: 05, D, 16

On Friday, December 26, 2003, Bexar County Deputy Jesse A. Garza, Jr., was killed in a one car crash while responding to an emergency call. At approximately 6:00pm, Bexar County Sheriff's dispatchers alerted units in the southeastern of Bexar County of a one car rollover with injuries on US Highway 181 South, near Kilowatt Road. Deputies J. Garza, E. Calderon, and J. Rodriguez responded to the call, code #3 (emergency lights and sirens).

The dispatch office then began receiving calls of a one vehicle crash in the 9500 block of Stuart Road. The dispatcher attempted to contact Deputy Garza on the radio but received no answer. Deputy E. Calderon advised the dispatcher that he observed Deputy Garza turn south on Stuart Road from Highway 87East, and told the dispatcher that he would check Stuart Road.

Several minutes later Deputy E. Calderon located Deputy Garza's wrecked patrol vehicle in the 9500 block of Stuart Road. Medical assistance arrived on scene. Deputy Garza was transported to Brook Army Medical Center by Airlife. Deputy Garza died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The investigation by Bexar County Sheriff's Traffic Safety Unit revealed that Deputy Garza was headed southbound on Stuart Road. When Deputy Garza's patrol vehicle came out of a left turn, the right side of the patrol vehicle left the highway. Deputy Garza's patrol vehicle slid across both lanes of the highway, went through a barbed wire fence and struck a group of trees. Deputy Garza was wearing his seat belt.

Deputy Jesse A. Garza, Jr., age 33, had worked assignments in Detention, Criminal Warrants, Gang Unit, and was assigned to the Patrol Division. Deputy Garza was preceded in death by his mother, Sylvia A. Garza. She had passed away two weeks earlier due to a long illness.

Deputy Garza was survived by his wife, Sandra Garza; sons, Lorenzo Campos and Richard Garza; daughters, Jessica and Gloria Garza; father, Jesus A. Garza; sister, Barbarita Holbert and her husband, Tracy; brother, Jamie Garza and his wife Maria; and father-in-law and mother-in-law Jesse and Sylvia Aguilar. He was a member of the Alamo Masonic Lodge #44 AF and AM. ----source San Antonio Express News and Deputy Garza's obituary

Officer Juan A. Morales

Officer Juan A. (Tazz) Morales
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: 1968
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
End of Watch: Tuesday, December 11, 2001
Date of Incident: Tuesday, December 11, 2001
Age: 33
Badge Number: 251
Tour of Duty: 11 yr
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Weapon Used: Automobile
Buried: Unknown
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P22 - E30
TPOM: 30, B, 03

Officer Morales was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while driving to work on his department motorcycle. A vehicle in the center lane of I-10 sideswiped his motorcycle, causing him to be thrown to the ground. The suspect fled the scene but was followed by a citizen and was observed switching cars. The citizen continued to follow and notified authorities. The suspect was later apprehended.

Officer Morales was survived by his wife and four children.

In 1991, Officer Morales apprehended the murderer of Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Carlos Warren. Trooper Warren's murder took place earlier in the evening near Austin and the suspect fled towards San Antonio. Officer Morales stopped the vehicle for speeding and was met by gunfire. He returned fire, wounding the suspect, and apprehended him. ----source San Antonio Express News

Officer Hector R. Garza

Officer Hector R. Garza
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: August 22, 1952
Cause of Death: Gunfire
End of Watch: Thursday, March 29, 2001
Date of Incident: Thursday, March 29, 2001
Age: 48
Badge Number: 158
Tour of Duty: 25 yr
Suspect Info: Sentenced to death on two counts capital murder
Weapon Used: Handgun; Mac-10
Buried: Not disclosed
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P22-E44
TPOM: 32, B, 01

Officer Garza was shot and killed after responding to a domestic dispute on S. San Eduardo. Two officers were initially called to the residence at approximately 7:45 am to stand guard while a resident removed possessions from a house. Officers were called back at approximately 8:55 am for another disturbance involving the man and wife. The two were arguing in a bedroom. The suspect had his back to Officer Garza while he attempted to separate the two. The suspect suddenly spun around and shot Officer Garza in the head with a Mac-10 semi-automatic handgun.

The suspect then shot and killed his wife before chasing the woman's brother-in-law. After running out of ammunition he went back into the home and got an AK-47 and shot and wounded the brother-in-law and then shot Officer Garza again as he lay on the ground. The suspect was apprehended and charged with two counts of capital murder and three counts of attempted capital murder. He was convicted of the capital murder charges and sentenced to death. The suspect's mother was also charged in connection with starting the incident that led to the murders and sentenced to one year in prison.

Officer Garza had been employed with the San Antonio Police Department for 25 years. He is survived by his wife and five children.

Officer Garza liked the Beatles, tie-dye tee shirts, track, and softball. He was a basketball coach for St. Martin's Hall kinder class. Officer Garza was considering retirement and looking forward to pursuing a second career as a history teacher. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1970, served a tour of duty in the U.S. Army and worked as a truck driver before pursing a career in law enforcement. Officer Garza attended San Antonio College and the University of Texas at San Antonio. In November 1998, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational education from Wayland Baptist University. He spent his free time barbecuing with family and friends, reading historical novels, fishing and searching San Antonio for old Beatles recordings to buy. Police Chief Al Philippus said, "Hector was a good guy with a big heart. Everybody liked him." Chief Philippus also said he and Officer Garza had been police cadets together, graduating from the academy in 1975.

Officer John A. Riojas

Officer John Anthony "Rocky" Riojas
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: 1963
Cause of Death: Gunfire
End of Watch: Saturday, February 03, 2001
Date of Incident: Friday, February 02, 2001
Age: 37
Badge Number: 1168
Tour of Duty: 11 yr
Suspect Info: Sentenced to death
Weapon Used: Officer's service weapon
Buried: San Fernando Cemetery #2
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P22 - E9
TPOM: 01, B, 09

Officer John Anthony "Rocky" Riojas at about 9:40 p.m. was summoned to the Stone Hollow Apartments in the 9400 block of Fredericksburg Road, for a Public Disturbance. He was involved in a foot chase with the suspect and was able to catch up to the suspect as a struggle ensued. Officer Riojas drew his service weapon but the fight went to the ground, and Officer Riojas ended up on top of the subject, chest to chest with his gun still in his hand. The individual grabbed Officer Riojas’ gun and then extended Officer Riojas’ arm and gun out away from him as he turned on his stomach. Being taller and longer of arm than Riojas, he was able to apply more leverage and got the gun away from Officer Riojas, who was physically very strong. Officer Riojas was now on the subjects back. The subject had the gun underneath him and officer Riojas was trying to get the gun back from under the subject, reaching around and under the right side of the subject. Meanwhile, the subject switched the gun to his left hand and extended the gun back over his left shoulder, next to his own ear and pulled the trigger. Officer Riojas’ head was on that side and he took the round through the forehead, killing him instantly. The suspect fleed the scene. Other Officers in the area responded to the gunfire. Officer Riojas was transported to a hospital, where he died two hours later at 12:07 a.m. after his family made the decision to take him off life support. Police Chief Al Philippus said at a 12:35 a.m. news conference. "The family had to make some very difficult decisions for him,"

After the incident at about 9:40 p.m., dozens of officials searched the area around the Stone Hollow Apartments in the 9400 block of Fredericksburg Road. Police officers and Bexar County sheriff's deputies - including the sheriff's gang unit - were involved in the manhunt and investigation. Riojas, a member of the Street Crimes Arrest Team unit, reportedly was in uniform when he was shot. The officer was alone when he was shot in the forehead, but other SCAT officers reportedly were in the area. SCAT officers operate over a special radio frequency but can alert patrol officers in emergencies, police spokesman Gabe Treviño said. He said Riojas was unable to radio for help but other officers arrived within a minute of the broadcast that shots had been fired and found Riojas. The shooting occurred in the back of the apartment complex near a bank of mailboxes, Treviño said. The suspect was found and arrested several days later, at his trial, he was sentenced to death.

Officer John Anthony "Rocky" Riojas had been with the agency for 11 years and is survived by his wife and two young children.

The Chief said Riojas "was a real hard worker, someone who everybody
admired, somebody who tried to make this community a better place."

"It is the blue centurions who safeguard the sanctity of life. It is officers like Rocky who patrol the streets while others sleep, who work the special holidays, and are away from their families. Yes, each day, police officers like Rocky begin their tour of duty knowing that through their service and numberless acts of courage, our community is safe". - Chief Al Philippus, eulogy excerpt.

Officer Oscar D. Perez

Officer Oscar Domingo Perez
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: January 14, 1969
Cause of Death: Gunfire
End of Watch: Friday, March 24, 2000
Date of Incident: Friday, March 24, 2000
Age: 31
Badge Number: 628
Tour of Duty: 7 yr
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Weapon Used: Handgun
Buried: Mission Park North
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P55-W22
TPOM: 38, C, 07

Officer Perez was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who was wanted in another jurisdiction. Officer Perez and his partner were sent to a hotel after receiving a tip that the suspect was there. When the suspect refused the officers entry to his room, the officers opened the door using Managements spare room key. As the officers entered the room the suspect dropped behind the bed and opened fire, striking Officer Perez in the head. Officer Perez's partner returned fire, but did not strike the suspect, who then committed suicide. Officer Perez was flown to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead during surgery. ----source San Antonio Express News

On July 8, 2006 The City of San Antonio dedicated the Oscar Perez Memorial Park located 8601 Timber Path in honor of Officer Perez.

Officer Edward A. Basham

Abatement Officer Edward A. Basham
San Antonio Code Compliance Department, TX
Born: July 1, 1954
Cause of Death: Massive Heart Attack
End of Watch: Tuesday, February 17, 1998
Date of Incident: Tuesday, February 17, 1998
Age: 43
Badge Number: 695
Tour of Duty: 7 Months as Abatement Officer
Suspect Info: Charged with 2 counts of Burglary of a Habitation (each)
Weapon Used: N/A
Buried: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P22-E35
TPOM: 05, B, 09


Officer Basham suffered a massive heart attack after a foot chase of six teenage burglars. On February 17, 1998, at approximately 12:40 PM, Officer Basham assisted San Antonio Police Department district officers in establishing a quadrant within the vicinity of the burglarized home. He observed the suspects fleeing a San Antonio Police Officer due north from his location. He immediately initiated a foot pursuit to assist in the apprehension of the six burglary suspects and chased them for a short distance. He returned to his patrol car and continued to pursue the suspects before beginning a second foot pursuit. It was not until Officer Basham returned to his patrol vehicle that he suffered a massive heart attack. He collapsed in a wooded area moments later. Officer Basham was not discovered until suspects were apprehended and citizens came forward advising of an officer face down on the roadway. Officer Basham was pronounced dead at the scene.

None of the suspects were charged in connection with Officer Basham's death despite the fact that they knew they were being pursued.

Officer Edward A. Basham was survived by his daughter, Stacy Basham.-----source San Antonio Express News and internet

Served as a SSG in the U.S. Army and was a Verteran of the Vietnam War.

Officer Michael C. McInnis

Officer Michael Corey McInnis
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: November 24, 1969
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
End of Watch: Monday, August 28, 1995
Date of Incident: Monday, August 28, 1995
Age: 25
Badge Number: 761
Tour of Duty: 2 yr
Suspect Info: N/A
Weapon Used: N/A
Buried: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P3-W20
TPOM: 36, C, 11

On August 28, 1995 at about 11:15 pm, Officer McInnis was responding to a call for possible theft at Goodwill Industries drop station located at 1200 SW Loop 410. Officer McInnis was traveling northbound on Loop 410. Witnesses reported seeing Officer McInnis's patrol unit pass them at a high rate of speed. They also reported seeing a red Toyota pickup in front of the unit, believed to be theft suspects. Witnesses stated they lost sight of Officer McInnis until they continued further and saw the accident. Dispatch tapes did not report Officer McInnis was in pursuit but several garbled broadcast were heard from his radio shortly before citizens used it to report the accident. Officer McInnis's patrol car struck the guard rail sideways at the access road of Loop 410 approaching Texas 151 cut off. Officer McInnis succumbed to his wounds at the scene.

Officer McInnis was survived by his wife, two sons, parents, and brother.

Officer McInnis's father served as a Detective with San Antonio Police Department and was assigned to the Academy at the time of Officer McInnis death. Officer McInnis served as a SSGT in the U.S. Army and was a Veteran of the Persian Gulf War. ----source San Antonio Express News

Officer Fabian D. Dominguez

Officer Fabian Dale Dominguez
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: September 6, 1965
Cause of Death: Gunfire
End of Watch: Sunday, January 15, 1995
Date of Incident: Sunday, January 15, 1995
Age: 29
Badge Number: 399
Tour of Duty: 2 yr
Suspect Info: Sentenced to death, executed on January 17, 2007
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Buried: Mission Park North
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P17 - W20
TPOM: 07, C, 11

Officer Dominguez was shot and killed while investigating a burglary in his neighborhood. As Officer Dominguez was returning home from work he noticed a suspicious vehicle a few blocks from his home. As he was approaching the vehicle with his weapon drawn he ordered the driver to turn off the car and give him the keys. As he reached in to get the keys the suspect smacked his gun away and shot him at the same time, causing him to drop his weapon inside the vehicle. The suspect then exited the vehicle and retrieved Officer Dominguez's weapon and shot him several more times, then fled the scene. The suspect was later captured with Officer Dominguez's weapon in his possession.

The suspect who shot Officer Dominguez was sentenced to death and executed on January 17, 2007. One of the other two suspects was sentenced to life. The third suspect was sentenced to 25 years in prison for engaging in organized crime.

Officer Dominguez had been with the agency for two years and was survived by his wife and twin daughters.

In 1996 the Bexar County State Jail facility was renamed to the Fabian Dominguez Unit in honor of Officer Dominguez. ----source San Antonio Express News and TDCJ website

Officer Paul M. Pytel

Officer Paul Matthews Pytel
San Antonio Park Police, TX
Born: 1965
Cause of Death: Drowned
End of Watch: Sunday, July 31, 1994
Date of Incident: Sunday, July 31, 1994
Age: 29
Badge Number: 9826
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Suspect Info: Not available
Weapon Used: Not available
Buried: San Fernando Cemetery #3
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P21 - E19
TPOM: 11, B, 17

Officer Pytel drowned while chasing a murder suspect when he was pushed or fell into Salado Creek. The suspect was wanted in connection with a shooting earlier. Park Police Gabriel Escobedo and Officer Pytel had been working in Martin Luther King Park and heard shots fired. At the sound of the first shot, Officer Escobedo turned and saw three men with guns drawn among a group of about five. Officer Escobedo said that while he could see only three weapons, all the men had their arms extended straight out in front of them, as if they were firing as well. Officer Pytel chased the men in his vehicle then began a foot pursuit as they ran across a field and toward Salado Creek at the back of the park. Officer Ernest Trevino was dispached to the park and headed for the creek to try and cut off the fleeing suspects. Officer Trevino arrested two of the suspects at the same time he heard a splash in the creek. Officer Trevino cuffed the suspects, and headed for the spot where Officer Pytel had gone in. The creek was muddy and stirred up and it took several minutes to locate Officer Pytel; when he was pulled out, Officer Trevino performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation but was unable to revive him. Officer Pytel became the first San Antonio Park Ranger to die in the line of duty. He was a graduate of Burbank High School, a nine-year veteran of the Parks Department, served in the Department’s Honor Guard and was a field training officer and Bike Patrol officer -- information gathered from 226th Judicial District Court, Bexar County, Texas records, San Antonio Light and ODMP

He was survived by his wife, mother, father, 2 brothers and 1 sister.

On May 14, 1996, The City of San Antonio dedicated former South New Braunfels Park to Pytel Park, located 6200 S. New Braunfels. The park was officially named for Officer Pytel who dedicated his life to keeping parks safe for the citizens of San Antonio.

The San Antonio Park Police Explorer Post 9826 was established in memory and honor of Park Police Officer Paul Pytel. The San Antonio Park Police Explorer Post 9826 is for those 15 to 20 years of age and have a sincire interest in law enforcement. Teahing them on law enforcement topic such as: Basics of Law Enforcement; Accident Investigation; Arrest, Search and Seizure; Bomb Threats; Building Searches; Crime Scene Investigation; Crisis/Hostage Negotiation; Felony Stops; Physical Agility/Team Building; Robbery Investigation and Traffic Stops.

Sergeant William Maldonado III

Sergeant William "Bill" Maldonado III
San Antonio Independent School District Police Department, TX
Born: 1948
Cause of Death: Fall
End of Watch: Thursday, May 27, 1994
Date of Incident: Thursday, May 27, 1994
Age: 45
Badge Number: 107
Tour of Duty: Not available
Suspect Info: N/A
Weapon Used: N/A
Buried: Sunset Memorial
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P29 - E19
TPOM: 15, C, 04

Sergeant Maldonado was killed after falling off of a ledge while trying to avoid being struck by a vehicle. Sergeant Maldonado and an off-duty officer were at the scene of an accident on an elevated expressway. As he was laying out flares another vehicle lost control and came towards him. In an attempt to avoid being struck, he began to move away from the vehicle when he fell approximately 26 feet off of a ledge to the ground below. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sergeant Maldonado was survived by his mother, Josephine, and brother, Kenneth.

San Antonio Independant School District Board approved on May 27, 2009 to officially recognize Sgt. William Maldonado Memorial Observance Day. ----source San Antonio Express News and San Antonio Independant School District website

Officer Rondall Sisco

Officer Rondall "Randy" Sisco
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: December 2, 1946
Cause of Death: Motorcycle accident
End of Watch: Tuesday, September 22, 1992
Date of Incident: Tuesday, September 22, 1992
Age: 45
Badge Number: 865
Tour of Duty: 22 yr
Suspect Info: Not available
Weapon Used: Not available
Buried: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P43 - E18
TPOM: 22, C, 04

Officer Randall "Randy" Sisco was traveling north on IH 35 near Nogalitos exit heading to report for 3pm roll call. A white Chevrolet Caprice to Officer Sisco's left sideswiped Officer Sisco, when the car cut in front of him to exit at Nogalitos. Officer Sisco's motorcycle went out of control and struck a guard rail. An off-duty police officer and off-duty Bexar County Sheriff deputy witnessed the incident and rushed to Officer Sisco's aid. Officer Sisco was bleeding heavily while the off-duty officer talked to him, saying "Please don't go on me!" Paramedic worked on Officer Sisco and rushed him to the hospital with a police unit and motorcycle escort. The driver of the Chevy Caprice was visiting from Houston and was in town for his father-in-laws funeral. The driver stated he had seen Officer Sisco in his rear view mirror but Officer Sisco was a distance behind when he signaled his lane change. The driver then stated as he changed lanes he realized he had struck Officer Sisco. Officer Sisco succumbed to his injuries on arrival to Brooke Army Medical Center. No charges were filled on the driver of the Chevy Caprice. ----source San Antonio Light

Officer Sisco had been with the agency for 22 years. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and two grandchildren.

Officer Douglas S. Goeble

Officer Douglas Scott Goeble
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: October 30, 1964
Cause of Death: Gunfire
End of Watch: Saturday, April 20, 1991
Date of Incident: Thursday, April 18, 1991
Age: 26
Badge Number: 1142
Tour of Duty: 18 months
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Weapon Used: Gun; 25 automatic
Buried: Mission Park North Cemetery
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P23 - E18
TPOM: 10, C, 17

Officer Goeble succumbed to gunshot wounds received two days earlier when he was shot and killed while eating in a restaurant at 3080 East Commerce Street. The suspect had a disturbance with his girlfriend in the parking lot prior to entering the restaurant. The suspect waited in the eating area while his girlfriend entered the bathroom with her two young daughters. When his girlfriend and her daughters returned, the suspect walked behind Officer Goeble and shot him in the back of the neck. Officer Goeble went down and then the suspect shot Officer Goeble a second time behind the left ear. The suspect then turned the gun on the waitress behind the counter. His girlfriend grabbed his arm and told him not to shoot her. The suspect then turned the gun on his girlfriend and shot her five times in front of her two daughters, killing her. He then exited the restaurant and ran. The suspect was apprehended a few hours later. He was sentenced to life and will be eligible for parole in 2006.

Officer Goeble had been with the agency for 18 months and in law enforcement for a total five years. Officer Goeble previously served in Big Spring Police Department and Balcones Heights Police Department. While in Big Spring Police Department, Officer Goeble was recognized for risking his life to save the live of a civilian during a high water rescue.

Officer Goeble graduated from Lee High School and attended Texas A&M, San Antonio College, and Angelo State College. He is buried in Mission Park North cemetery. His organs were donated for transplant. He was survived by his fiancée, daughter, parents, and two sisters. ---- source San Antonio Express News, ODMP

Deputy David D. Castillo

Deputy Sheriff David Delgado Castillo
Bexar County Sheriff's Department, TX
Cause of Death: Automobile accident
End of Watch: Thursday, April 11, 1991
Date of Incident: Thursday, April 11, 1991
Age: 31
Badge Number: 209
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Suspect Info: N/A
Weapon Used: N/A
Buried: Victoria, Tx
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P41 - W18
TPOM: 16, C, 13

Deputy Castillo was killed in an automobile accident on Southwest Loop 1604, between Nelson and Pearsall roads, while responding to an officer needs assistance call at 1:30 am. His patrol car went out of control on the rain-slicked road and struck a tree, causing his legs to be pinned in the vehicle and trapping him inside. As rescue crews attempted to free him from the patrol car it burst into flames. In an attempt to save his co-workers, Deputy Castillo pushed them away from the fire. He perished in the fire.

Deputy Castillo, 31, was a native of Victoria and had worked for the Sheriffs Office for eight years, with the last four years in the patrol division.

Deputy Castillo was All-State Middle Linebacker for Victoria High School in 1979 and attended Texas A&M University in Kingsville, Texas. Survivors included a daughter of San Antonio; parents Jesse V. & Candida Castillo; brothers Manuel, Ernest, Julian & Richard Castillo; and sisters Lupe Tamayo, Janie Gonzalez, Alice Castillo & Michele Castillo. Burial was in Victoria, Texas. ----source San Antonio Light and San antonio Express News

Officer Roger C. Henarie

Officer Roger Carl Henarie
San Antonio Police Department, TX
Born: October 14, 1964
Cause of Death: Automobile accident
End of Watch: Friday, April 13, 1990
Date of Incident: Friday, April 13, 1990
Age: 25
Badge Number: 1147
Tour of Duty: 11 mos
Suspect Info: N/A
Weapon Used: N/A
Buried: Holy Cross Cemetery
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P32 - W8
TPOM: 20, B, 09

Officer Henarie was killed when he was responding to back up an officer who was stopping a stolen vehicle. Officer Henarie lost control of his cruiser on a curve and collided with a utility pole in the 4600 block of Callaghan Road, just north of Thunder Rd. Officer Henarie later died from injuries received.

Officer Henarie's father also had served as an SAPD Detective, retired at the time of Officer Henarie's death.

Officer Henarie attended St Paul Catholic school and captain of his high school football team. He graduated from Jefferson High School. He attended St. Mary's University on a baseball scholarship, from which he graduated in 1987 with a degree in Accounting.

Officer Henarie was survived by his wife, parents, 6 brothers and 1 sister.

Trooper Ralph G. Zerda

Trooper Ralph George Zerda
Texas Department of Public Safety, TX
Born: 1960
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
End of Watch: Sunday, May 21, 1989
Date of Incident: Sunday, May 21, 1989
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 5 yr
Suspect Info: Ralph G. Mueller of NM, Sentenced to 10 years: released after 4 years.
Weapon Used: 18-wheeler; Alcohol involved
Buried: San Fernando Cemetery #2
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P13 - W19
TPOM: 21, C, 17

Trooper Zerda and Sergeant William Kuhnle were killed when a drunken truck driver, Ralph Mueller 51, crashed his tractor trailer into their parked patrol car just between 2:40 to 2:56 am. The Troopers were a part of the DWI Task Force and had parked on the shoulder after stopping another drunk driver, one mile inside Bexar County line, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 and Farm -to-Market Road 1604. They had made a DWI traffic arrest and had requested routine registration information, then requested a wrecker. A tractor trailer traveling westbound on U.S. 90 had veered off the road and struck the patrol unit from behind. Both Trooper Zerda and Sgt. Kuhnle were killed instantly as they were standing between their patrol nit and their suspects’ vehicle. Sgt. Kuhnle's body was thrown about 500 feet after impact. The suspect arrested by the Troopers was in the back seat of the patrol unit and only sustained minor injuries. Mueller was sentenced to two concurrent 10 year sentences in prison, but was released after serving only 4 years.

Trooper Zerda had been with the agency for five years. Trooper Zerda was survived by his wife and child.

Trooper Zerda's younger sister joined DPS after his death.----source San Antonio Light, San Antonio Express News, and ODMP

Sergeant William J. Kuhnle

Sergeant William John Kuhnle Jr.
Texas Department of Public Safety, TX
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
End of Watch: May 21, 1989
Date of Incident: May 21, 1989
Age: 36
Badge Number: 4569
Tour of Duty: 11 yr
Suspect Info: Ralph G. Mueller of NM, Sentenced to 10 years: released after 4 years.
Weapon Used: 18-wheeler; Alcohol involved
Buried: Restever Memorial Park, in Byron, Texas
Location of Name on National and Texas Monuments
NLEOMF: P12 - E10
TPOM: 31, C, 09

Sergeant Kuhnle and Trooper Ralph Zerda were killed when a drunken truck driver, Ralph Mueller 51, crashed his tractor trailer into their parked patrol car just between 2:40 to 2:56 am. The Troopers were a part of the DWI Task Force and had parked on the shoulder after stopping another drunk driver, one mile inside Bexar County line, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 and Farm -to-Market Road 1604. They had made a DWI traffic arrest and had requested routine registration information, then requested a wrecker. A tractor trailer traveling westbound on U.S. 90 had veered off the road and struck the patrol unit from behind. Both Sgt. Kuhnle and Trooper Zerda were killed instantly as they were standing between their patrol nit and their suspects’ vehicle. Sgt. Kuhnle's body was thrown about 500 feet after impact. The suspect arrested by the Troopers was in the back seat of the patrol unit and only sustained minor injuries. Mueller was sentenced to two concurrent 10 year sentences in prison, but was released after serving only 4 years.

Sergeant Kuhnle had been with the agency for 11 years. He is survived by his wife, Diana; two daughters; and one son. ----source San Antonio Light and San Antonio Express News