Gallup Police Department, New Mexico
End of Watch: Wednesday, May 30, 2001
Age: 23
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: 11
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 30, 2001
Weapon Used: Handgun; .45 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 34 years
Officer Larry Mitchell was shot and killed while attempting to enter the mobile home of a barricaded man at approximately 6 am.
Officer Mitchell and six other SWAT team members were fired upon entering the house. Officer Mitchell was struck in the side just above his vest. A second officer was also shot, but his vest stopped the round.
Officers had initially responded to the home after reports of gunfire following a domestic dispute. After barricading himself in the home, the man fired shots from the house throughout the night. The suspect eventually surrendered approximately four hours after shooting Officer Mitchell.
On August 28, 2004, the suspect pled guilty to second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. He was sentenced to 34 years in prison.
Officer Mitchell had served with the Gallup Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife and 2-year-old son.