1990's LODD

CPWDA Central

L.O.D. Deaths

1990's Line Of Duty Deaths

Note : Some of these tributes are for those that were not line of duty deaths.

Both officer and K9 were killed in line of duty

Deputy Sheriff James R. Kenney

November 16, 1999 - Clay County, KS - Age 62

Deputy Sheriff James R. "Monk" Kenney, 62, was shot and killed on November 16, 1999 at approximately 4:00 p.m. as he and other officers were attempting to arrest 22-year-old Jeffery F. Hebert at his home in Morganville who was a jail escapee. Also escaping with Hebert was Thomas E. Smith Jr., 22 of Clyde, and Russell T. Britt, 19, of Concordia. Smith and Britt were captured and arrested soon after. Smith was arrested at a friend's home, and Britt was arrested while trying to get to a relative's house in Clyde. Rupert said both were charged with aggravated escape from custody and aggravated assault on a corrections officer. The three inmates escaped by overpowering a corrections officer and breaking out of the jail's main window, falling 10 feet to the ground. Rupert said the three suffered minor scrapes, while the officer had minor injuries. Smith was being held on charges of aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Britt was being held for violation of probation for burglary. The defendant testified that after he escaped he originally intended to hide out and live in the woods. Soon after the escape, the defendant became separated from the other escapees and the plan began to fall apart. After many miles of walking and hitchhiking, the defendant returned to his house in Morganville during the early morning hours of November 16, 1999. He drank a couple of beers, packed a duffel bag full of clothes, and gathered his .12 gauge shotgun, his .22 caliber rifle, and his .20 gauge sawed-off shotgun. The defendant testified that he intended to use the guns to hunt animals in the woods for food. He explained that he always kept his guns loaded with the safeties off because he was the only one who handled them. Around 7 a.m. the defendant called a friend, Buddy Butler, intending to ask for a ride, but changed his mind because he did not want to get Butler involved. Soon after calling Butler, the defendant fell asleep on his couch. While the defendant was sleeping, Detective Kelly Kemp of the Clay County Sheriff's Department was gathering information from people who knew the defendant. Detective Kemp discovered the defendant's location when speaking with Butler, and he relayed this information to Sheriff Caldwell. Sheriff Caldwell instructed Detective Kemp to obtain a search warrant for the defendant's residence. While waiting for the search warrant, Sheriff Caldwell called the defendant's home telephone number three times and knocked on the defendant's door, but heard no response. Sheriff Caldwell called Deputy Kenney and asked him to come to the defendant's house with his police dog. Deputy Kenney and Copper arrived at the house approx. 2:30 p.m. Meanwhile, inside the house, the defendant had just woken up. He finished packing his duffel bag and, according to the defendant, he was about to head outside to go live in the woods when he looked out the window and saw Sheriff Caldwell's vehicle parked outside. For reasons he is not able to explain, the defendant decided to take a shower. After getting out of the shower, the defendant again looked out the window, hoping one of the officers would move from their position long enough for him to escape. After waiting a couple of minutes and receiving no response, Detective Kemp forced open the back door. Sheriff Caldwell, Under Sheriff Chuck Dunn, Detective Kemp, Deputy Kenney, and Copper entered the house. When the defendant heard Sheriff Caldwell knocking, he gathered his three guns and went upstairs to the attic. The defendant still hoped to escape but saw a highway patrol officer was stationed outside near the window he planned to use in his escape. The defendant sat in the corner of the darkened attic and laid his guns down on the floor. When Sheriff Caldwell and his team finished conducting a sweep of the first floor, Deputy Kenney and Copper, followed by Sheriff Caldwell, headed up the stairs to the attic. Deputy Kenney stopped four or five steps from the top of the stairs and released Copper's leash, allowing him to search the attic. The defendant saw Copper come into the attic and he grabbed his .12 gauge shotgun. Copper briefly walked around the attic but did not notice the defendant in the corner. Copper walked back to Deputy Kenney, who was hidden from the defendant's view. Deputy Kenney grabbed Copper and told him to lie down in a voice audible to the defendant. The defendant testified that he then saw one hand come into view to pet the top of the dog's head. When the defendant saw the bill of a cap and the end of what he thought was a gun come out from behind the corner, he raised his gun and fired. After the shot was fired, the dog began running toward the defendant. The defendant shot the dog once with his shotgun, but the dog continued to run toward him, so he shot him a second time and killed him. The bullet fired at Deputy Kenney passed through a light switch and the plywood wall. The bullet and various smaller projectiles from the light switch and wall hit Deputy Kenney on the right side of his head, causing loss of consciousness immediately. The shot threw Deputy Kenney backwards into Sheriff Caldwell, causing both of them to fall down the stairs. The fall caused Sheriff Caldwell to suffer cuts to his nose and his hand, the latter requiring three to four stitches. Sheriff Caldwell dragged Deputy Kenney out to the back porch, where a first responder, Arnold Knoettgen, soon arrived and began treating him. Sheriff Caldwell returned to the house and instructed Detective Kemp to shoot teargas rounds through the upstairs windows to force the defendant out. Four rounds of teargas were fired into the attic. Sheriff Caldwell and the other officers began yelling to the defendant, telling him that if he came down they would guarantee his safety. After a few minutes, the defendant walked down the steps and was arrested. Deputy Kenney was still alive at this point but had shallow breathing and a weak pulse. Pam Kemp, Director of Emergency Medical Services at the Clay Center Hospital, soon arrived on the scene. Deputy Kenney was rushed to the emergency room of Clay County Medical Center where unsuccessful attempts were made to save his life. Dr. Timothy Penner pronounced Deputy Kenney dead at 4:50 p.m. The official cause of death was a shotgun injury to the head which caused "interruption of the brain" and loss of blood. There is evidence supporting Kemp's contention that Kenney did not have his gun drawn. The evidence custody receipt which listed the items found on Deputy Kenney's person at the time of his death, included his Beretta .40 caliber handgun. Sheriff Caldwell also testified that as a former police dog handler, he knew that it was common procedure for a dog handler who has backup to leave his or her weapon in the holster. Examination of the circumstances in this case demonstrates that the defendant used the most powerful gun he owned, a .12 gauge shotgun loaded with the most powerful ammunition he owned, a slug round. The defendant's actions before and after the killing also provide evidence of premeditation. He admitted to grabbing the guns on his way upstairs after seeing the officers outside his house and then seeing them come into his residence. All three guns were found loaded and ready to fire. The defendant admitted that he did not want to go back to jail and that he knew the officers were coming to arrest him. After shooting Deputy Kenney, the defendant shot the police dog twice, and he did not give himself up until after tear gas rounds were fired into the attic. Deputy Kenney had been in law enforcement for 15 years with Clay County Sheriffs in Kansas. Deputy Kenney is survived by his wife Shirley Thompson; son Robert Kenney; daughters Julie Page and Suzanne Shields; stepson Dennis Pickering; and stepdaughters Christi Sanders, Cathy Weaver, and Wendi Holt.

The defendant was found guilty on all counts January 16, 2004. He waived his right to contest a sentence below the statutory maximum and stipulated to the aggravating factors for the purposes of a hard 50 sentence. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision in the sentencing phase of the trial. The trial court found that the defendant "knowingly created a great risk of death to more than one person" and that the defendant "committed the crime in order to avoid or prevent a lawful arrest." Based on these aggravating circumstances, the trial court sentenced the defendant to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 50 years on the capital murder charge.

Officer John Michael Richardson

April 29, 1999 - Nashville, TN - Age 26

On April 28, 1999, Officer Michael Richardson, 26, was involved in a serious traffic accident while driving with his K-9 Tossy in their police vehicle while heading home when he struck a bridge on interstate 40. Officer Richardson succumbed from accident related injuries the following day, April 29, 1999. Tossy only received minor injuries. Officer Richardson was a 3 1/2 year veteran of the department in Nashville Tennessee. Prior to working for the Nashville International Airport Department of Public Safety, Officer Richardson was employed by the So. Carthage, TN Police Department. His service with the airport included police, airport rescue fire fighting and emergency medical treatment. In January 1998 Officer Richardson was selected as the department's first K-9 Handler under a joint program with the Federal Aviation Administration. Mike quickly established a standard of performance that is renowned in the industry. Mike Richardson was a friend to everyone with a special love for dogs and horses. He is survived by his wife Tammy and two young daughters. An Officer Mike Richardson Memorial Fund is being established to erect a permanent memorial at the entrance of the Nashville International Airport Department of Public Safety. Donations will be received by the department at 921 Airport Service Road, Nashville, TN 37214.

Chief Richard Leon Duncan

August 13, 1998 - Decatur, AR - Age 56

Chief of Police Duncan, 56, was killed in a head-on collision on August 13, 1998 while driving his canine unit. His canine loyally stayed with him until rescue units arrived. He had been in law enforcement for 28 years. He served with the Decatur Police Department in Arizona.

Deputy Sheriff Mike J. Metroka

December 15, 1997 - Broward County, FL - Age 39

Deputy Michael Metroka, 39, served Broward Sheriff's Office in Florida for 10 years. In 1996 he became a K-9 deputy. While on duty on November 29, 1997, Deputy Metroka was struck in his vehicle by a hit-and-run driver near Pompano Beach. His canine partner Woedon was with him when the crash occurred. The dog survived the impact and remained at Deputy Metroka's side until he could be extracted from the wreckage. The suspect, a convicted felon, got out of his vehicle and approached the cruiser before fleeing the scene after removing a gun from his wrecked rental car. K9 Woedon, Deputy Metroka's partner, exited the vehicle and chased the suspect before returning to stay with him until rescue crews arrived. Deputy Metroka succumbed to his injuries on December 15, 1997. He is survived by his wife.

The suspect was captured a short time later and has been charged with manslaughter, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and other charges.

Sergeant William Earl Godwin

May 22, 1997 - Morrisville, NC - Age 32

Sergeant Godwin, 32, was killed May 22, 1997 in an accident while responding to a call involving a disgruntled employee with a gun at a limousine service company. This call was the second time officers had been dispatched to the scene. While en route, another vehicle pulled in front of him and his Range Rover police vehicle rolled over at the intersection of McCrimmon Parkway and Church Street, killing him. His canine partner, Gray, survived the accident. Sergeant Godwin had served with the Morrisville Police Department in North Carolina for 9 years. Sergeant Goddwin's K-9 Partner Gray retired shortly after the accident and went to live with the Godwin family. He is survived by his wife Allison and his 8-month-old daughter Mercedes.

Senior Patrol Officer Dick Vernon Hobson Jr.

June 10, 1996 - Tulsa, OK - Age 45

Officer Hobson, 45, was shot and killed June 10, 1996 and another officer was shot and wounded in the leg after responding to the scene of a robbery. At 2135 hours three men robbed a fast food restaurant at 1400 South Peoria. Shortly after the three robbers fled, a stolen white Mitsubishi was wrecked on I-44 near the scene of the robbery. A man was seen running from the wrecked car with a rifle. When Canine Officer Hobson and Steve Downie, 38, responded to the scene and couldn't find the suspect they exited the vehicle and entered an alley on foot with their K-9. As they searched, the suspect jumped out from behind a bush and shot at the officers with a 20 gauge shotgun. Officer Hobson was shot in the chest and killed and Officer Downie was struck in the leg and recovered from his wounds. Three other officers at the scene returned fire and killed the robbery suspect, Steven Michael Williams, 21. Dino, Officer Hobson's canine, was not injured and was retired and given to Officer Hobson's family. Officer Hobson was not wearing his vest at the time of the incident. Officer Hobson, served Tulsa Police Department in Oklahoma for 18 years. He is survived by his wife, son & daughter.

Trooper James A. Griffith

April 16, 1996 - Maine State Police - Age 34

Trooper Griffith, 34 was killed on April 16,1996 after his cruiser was struck by an ice truck. Trooper Griffith was making a U-turn on a two lane road in pursuit of a speeding vehicle and did not see the truck which struck his cruiser on the driver side door. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Trooper Griffith was a canine officer whose dog was slightly injured in the accident. Trooper Griffith was with the Maine State Police for 10 years. Trooper Griffith was survived by his wife and four children.

Officer Lee E. Barta

August 3, 1995 - Binghamton, NY - Age 29

K9 Officer Barta, 29, was shot and killed August 3, 1995 while searching for a work release suspect. The suspect Edmond E. Travis III, 18 committed suicide by shooting himself hours later in a house surrounded by officers as they closed in near the shooting site. Officer Barta’s K-9 partner, Ben, attended the funeral service along with over 3,000 mourners. Officer Barta served with the Binghamton police Department in New York. Patrolman Barta is survived by his expectant wife Mary, son Daniel, and daughter Kellie. His second son was born eight months after his murder.

Agent Louis Pompei

June 9, 1995 - San Dimas, CA - Age 30

Agent Louis Pompei, 30, was shot and killed on June 9th 1995 while entering a supermarket, Vons, in San Dimas, while off duty at 2030 hours to cash his paycheck and pick up dog food for his K9 “Dios” in his home city. Agent Pompei while in the checkout line attempted to stop a robbery by taking action when the suspects began to threaten the life of a mentally-disabled employee boy who was being pistol whipped. When he tried to help, two robbers shot him in the chest, leg and abdomen, as he traded fire, wounding both who were later arrested at a local hospital. Pompei died two hours later at San Dimas Community Hospital. Agent Louis Pompei started the Glendora Police Department's first canine unit. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Pompei graduated from Mahanoy City High School in 1982. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice administration from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania in 1986. He was hired as a police officer trainee by the Glendora Police Department in 1987 and attended the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Academy, graduating on March 4, 1988. He was appointed to the rank of agent in 1995. A memorial to Pompei was erected near the spot where he was killed. Pompei's funeral service drew 2,000 people. Agent Pompei had been with the agency for eight years and was survived by his fiancée Tracey Taylor-Careaga.

The two robbers, ages 16 and 17 at the time of the crime, were sentenced to life in prison without parole and the getaway driver was sentenced to 26 years to life.

Officer Timothy James Jones

August 26, 1994 - St. Paul, MN - Age 36

Officer Jones, 36, and his canine, Laser, were shot and killed, August 26, 1994, after being ambushed by the suspect who had murdered Officer Ron Ryan earlier in the day. The ambush happened while Officer Jones and his canine were searching for the suspect. The actual events started to unfold approximately 6:55 a.m. when St. Paul dispatch received a call for a check of a person in a vehicle in the lot of the Sacred Heart Church at Sixth and Hope. The first officer arrived at the scene and was called away for another priority call. Officer Ryan volunteered to take the original call. When Officer Ryan approached the suspect’s vehicle he woke the individual. The suspect identified himself via his passport as Guy Harvey Baker and had a gun hidden under a coat in his hand that he was using as a blanket. Baker had a warrant out for his arrest. Baker began to fire at Officer Ryan repeatedly and was hit three times in the torso and once in the head killing him at 6:58 a.m. Baker then removed Officer Ryan’s service weapon from his holster. He then returned to his vehicle to leave the area but it wouldn’t start. He was able to push it down a hill and get it running. A citizen who witnessed the shooting armed himself and fired three times at the fleeing vehicle hitting it and shattering the rear window. Baker then drove to the rear of a liquor store on Hudson Road, parked the vehicle, and changed his clothing. While Baker was fleeing he came upon a garage and ice fishing shack at the rear of 1124 Conway. The ice shack had a crawl space for Baker to crawl underneath and slide up inside without unlocking the door from the outside. The ice shack had a strip of Plexiglas all the way around it for him to observe what was happening around him. Officer Jones had volunteered to come in on his time off to search for Baker with his K-9 partner Laser. Laser had picked up Bakers scent outside the fish shack. The whole time Baker was observing K-9 Laser and Officer Jones. As soon as Officer Jones looked through the window, Baker fired and Officer Jones went down immediately with a fatal head wound at 10:25 a.m. and had no chance to defend himself. Baker then exited the fish house and was attacked by Laser. Baker shot Laser four times. Baker then recovered Officer Jones’s service weapon. Baker then hid under a pile of lumber and rubbish next to a porch at 1129 Euclid. Several officers observed Baker in his hiding place and was placed under arrest. Officer Jones had been with the St. Paul Police Department in Missouri for 16 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.

The suspect pled guilty to murdering both Officer Ryan and Officer Jones and was sentenced to life without parole.

Game Warden William F. Hanrahan

November 21, 1992 – Maine – Age 49

Game Warden Hanrahan suffered a fatal heart attack on November 21, 1992 while investigating reports or drunken hunters in the woods. William Hanrahan had worked for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. His wife, four sons and his K9 "Major" survive him.

Sgt. Pedro Antonio Cainas

November 19, 1992 – Hialeah, Florida – Age 34

Officer Pedro "Pete" Cainas, 34, was dispatched to a neighbor dispute at 1655 West 44 Place in Hialeah, Florida at approximately 11:05 p.m. on November 13 where he was met by complainant Abel Fernandez. Fernandez had just informed officers that he had engaged in an argument with his neighbor Esteban Quintanal. The officers then went to Quintanal's apartment door and knocked for over two minutes. Quintanal responded by firing a single gunshot through the closed door striking Officer Cainas in the back of the head. Arriving Officers entered Quintanal's apartment and subsequently took him into custody. Quintanal suffered broken ribs and a head wound that required 21 stitches to close during the struggle. Officer Cainas lingered in a coma for six days and expired on November 19, 1992. Pete started his law enforcement career in 1979 who was hired by Riviera Beach Police Department and worked their undercover narcotics. In 1980, Pete worked for the Miami Springs Police Department nine months before leaving for the Hialeah Police Department. In his ten years working for the Hialeah Police Department, Pete was a K9 Officer and Auto Theft / Burglary Detective. In 1985, Pete continued his legal career and studied law at the University of Miami. He graduated from law school and received his law degree in May of 1991. He worked as a Miami-Dade Assistant State Attorney but, returned to the Hialeah Police Department October 25, 1992. Pete was killed three weeks later on November 19, 1992. Hialeah's main commercial street, W 49 Street, was renamed "Sgt. Pedro Cainas Drive" in 1995.

Esteban Quintanal was charged and convicted of second degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

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