Agent Thomas Edward Riggs, San Diego Police Department, California

Agent Thomas Edward Riggs

San Diego Police Department, California

End of Watch Sunday, March 31, 1985

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Thomas Edward Riggs

Agent Thomas Riggs was shot and killed following a vehicle pursuit that ended in the driveway of 6564 Brooklyn Avenue.

One of the subjects in the vehicle was able to gain control of another officer's handgun. The suspect shot and paralyzed the other officer before shooting Agent Riggs in the stomach, severing an artery.

The suspect then shot a civilian ride along before stealing one of the police cars and running over the second officer. The suspect was eventually caught but acquitted of all major charges and has since been arrested several times for violent crimes. In July 2002 the suspect committed suicide.

Agent Riggs had served with the San Diego Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife and son.

Bio

Age 27
Tour 5 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Acquitted of all major charges

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Just read a newspaper article about this incident. The author of the famous "Norco 80" book has written a book after researching the shooting, trial and subsequent outcome. I was a LEO in Los Angeles County at the time but this was not on my radar back them. Happens that I am visiting San Diego in a few weeks and have set up a visit at the San Diego PD museum and in contact with the museum director. I am mindful of the impact LODD have on families, departments and communities. Hero's remembered never die.

Virgil Weber, Sergeant (ret)
Glendora PD

July 28, 2024