Investigator Hugo Fernando Arango

Hugo Fernando Arango

Investigator Hugo Arango was shot and killed while questioning two individuals who were suspected of breaking into vehicles in the Eclipse nightclub parking lot at 5600 Buford Highway NE in Doraville.

Investigator Arango, who was in uniform, was flagged down by a club patron and asked to check on the two, who had been seen around several cars in the parking lot. As Investigator Arango was searching one of the suspects, he located a handgun on the suspect, and a struggle ensued.

The suspect fired the weapon, striking Investigator Arango in the leg and the club manager in the jaw. The suspect then shot Investigator Arango again, with the bullet striking his badge. As the officer lay there, he was shot in the head execution style, which killed him. The two suspects fled the scene, but one of them left his wallet behind. He was arrested five days later after a manhunt involving over 500 officers.

The suspect was charged with capital murder. On June 25, 2003, he was sentenced to life in prison and would be eligible for parole after 32 years. While incarcerated, he was convicted of running a drug trafficking ring.

Investigator Arango had served with the Doraville Police Department for six years. He is survived by his parents, three sisters, and a girlfriend.