Bio & Incident Details
Age: 29
Tour: 2 years, 6 months
Badge # 1337
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 11/12/1991
Weapon: Handgun
Suspect: Shot and killed
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Patrolman Ernesto Serna was shot and killed after confronting a shoplifter.
Patrolman Serna was working an extra-duty assignment as security at the Wal-Mart Store. Patrolman Serna saw a male take a coat from the rack and walk out of the store without paying for it. He followed the shoplifter out of the store and stopped him in the parking lot. When Patrolman Serna confronted the suspect, he took drew a handgun out from under his coat and opened fire, striking him once in the face. Patrolman Serna was able to return fire, and shot the suspect three times, killing him.
Patrolman Serna was rushed to Thomason Hospital where he died shortly after 2100 hours.
Patrolman Serna had served with the agency for two years where he was assigned to the Central Substation. He had just returned from Saudi Arabia where he served as a reservist in Operation Desert Storm. He is survived by his wife and children. Both of his sons, Eloy and Christipher, are officers of the El Paso Police Department.
