Alamogordo Police Department, New Mexico
End of Watch: Wednesday, August 29, 1973
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 6 years, 6 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 29, 1973
Weapon Used: Handgun; .22 caliber
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Lieutenant James Vigil was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle for speeding on U.S. Route 54.
Unbeknownst to Lieutenant Vigil, the suspect had just shot his 16-year-old wife in Kansas and was fleeing to Mexico. As Lieutenant Vigil approached the car during the traffic stop, the man opened fire with a .22 caliber handgun, striking him twice. Lieutenant Vigil was able to return fire, wounding the suspect. Although wounded, the suspect walked to Lieutenant Vigil, took his gun, and shot him twice more.
The suspect then took the gun and fled but was found later after committing suicide.
Lieutenant Vigil had been with the Alamogordo Police Department for over six years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.