Policeman Gabriel Vargas-Hernandez

Gabriel Vargas-Hernandez

Policeman Gabriel Vargas-Hernandez was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man in Rio Piedras at 3:00 p.m.

Policeman Vargas-Hernandez was walking near a corner store inside the San Fernando public housing complex when he observed a man concealing a .45 pistol inside his waist and not having a license for it. As he attempted to arrest the individual, the suspect's godparent came to his aid and interfered with the arrest, starting a struggle in which Policeman Vargas-Hernandez dropped his service revolver. The suspect, struggling with Policeman Vargas-Hernandez, grabbed his revolver and shot him, killing him instantly.

Both suspects were caught days later. The man holding the .45 pistol was convicted of possession of an illegal weapon without a license and sentenced to 2 years. The shooter was convicted of 2nd Degree Murder and sentenced to 30 years.

Policeman Vargas-Hernandez was survived by his wife and six children.