Deputy Sheriff Juan Leo Ortiz, San Miguel County Sheriff's Department, New Mexico

Deputy Sheriff Juan Leo Ortiz

San Miguel County Sheriff's Department, New Mexico

End of Watch Sunday, September 17, 1978

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Juan Leo Ortiz

Deputy Ortiz was shot and killed in retaliation for killing a suspect who pointed a gun at him three weeks earlier.

Deputy Ortiz was on patrol in the Santa Fe National Forest when he encountered several suspects who were harassing campers. When one of the men pointed a rifle at him he opened fire, killing the suspect. Three weeks later Deputy Ortiz was working on his ranch in Rociada, NM near Maestas Canyon when he was gunned down by a man with a rifle 200 yards away. The suspect fled and was never identified.

Deputy Ortiz was due to resign from the department the following day. He is survived by his wife, four children, his sister, and other family members.

Bio

Age 33
Tour Not available
Badge 16

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; .300 caliber
Offender Never apprehended

retaliation

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Your assailant may have never been identified but he/she surely faces a higher justice at some point in a different place. Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 17, 2020