Puerto Rico Police Department, Puerto Rico
End of Watch: Monday, November 5, 2001
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: 21937
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 5, 2001
Weapon Used: Rifle; AK-47
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer Carlos Acosta-Ray was shot and killed when he and his partner responded to a burglary call at a construction site.
Officer Acosta-Ray and his partner were in plainclothes and driving an unmarked vehicle. As they were investigating the scene, one of the suspects ambushed them with an AK-47, striking Officer Acosta-Ray 13 times. His partner was able to return fire, striking the suspects. One of the three suspects was a former police officer. The shooter was arrested and sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Acosta-Ray had been employed with the Puerto Rico Police Department for over 7 years and was assigned to Precinct 111- North Bayamon. The station was later renamed after him.