Navajo Division of Public Safety, Tribal Police
End of Watch: Saturday, January 6, 1996
Age: 36
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: 578
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: January 6, 1996
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Two suspects apprehended
Sergeant Hoskie Gene was killed after responding to a call of breaking and entering at a local store.
Sergeant Gene discovered two men fleeing on foot and gave chase. A struggle ensued, and Sergeant Gene was strangled by one suspect as the second suspect beat him with a flashlight. Sergeant Gene died of the strangulation. The two suspects stole his patrol car, gun, and ammunition. Another unit was dispatched to check on him and discovered his body around 1:30 am along Arizona Route 98.
The two suspects were apprehended the next day after crashing the patrol car.
Sergeant Gene had served with the Navajo Division of Public Safety for 3 years and was assigned to the Kayenta District. He is survived by his five children and seven grandchildren.