Sergeant Emilio Mestas, Clayton Police Department, New Mexico

Sergeant Emilio Mestas

Clayton Police Department, New Mexico

End of Watch Thursday, July 19, 1973

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Emilio Mestas

Sergeant Emilio Mestas was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance caused by a large group of teenagers.

Several subjects had led officers in a vehicle pursuit and led them to a home on Oak Street where approximately 40 teenagers had been causing a problem all night. As several officers got out of their patrol car, one of the teenagers opened fire, striking Sergeant Mestas in the head. He was taken to Northwest Texas Hospital, where he succumbed to his wound the following morning.

The suspect was apprehended, convicted of involuntary manslaughter, and sentenced to ten years in jail.

Sergeant Mestas was a United States Army WWII veteran and had been with the Clayton Police Department for 13 years. He was survived by his wife and nine children.

Bio

Age 55
Tour 13 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Wednesday, July 18, 1973
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to ten years

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Most Recent Reflection

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Sgt. Mestas,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 19, 2023