Houston Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Sunday, April 6, 1997
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 6 months
Badge Number: 5891
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 6, 1997
Weapon Used: Handgun; 9 mm
Suspect Info: Sentenced to death
Officer Cuong Trinh was shot and killed while off duty when he was identified as a police officer during a robbery at 2716 Westerland Drive.
He was working at a store owned by his parents when an armed suspect jumped over the counter and took money out of the cash register. He then demanded Officer Trinh's wallet. When he opened the wallet he saw Officer Trinh's badge and police identification. Officer Trinh then told the man to leave or he would be arrested. The suspect responded by shooting Officer Trinh in the head, killing him.
The shooter was arrested and sentenced to death. The getaway driver was also apprehended.
Officer Trinh was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Houston Police Department for 2-1/2 years. He is survived by his fiancee, parents, and brother. His fiancee and brother also went on to serve as police officers.