Pine Lake Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch: Thursday, August 11, 2005
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 3705
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 11, 2005
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Police Officer Francis Ortega was shot and killed during a traffic stop in front of the Pine Lake Post Office in the 4500 block of Rockbridge Road SW.
Officer Ortega and his partner approached the vehicle, obtained paperwork from the driver, and then returned to their patrol car. As they sat in the patrol car, they were approached by the suspect. When the officers exited their vehicle, a struggle ensued.
The suspect was able to put Officer Ortega in a headlock and then shoot him in the head. Officer Ortega's partner and the suspect exchanged gunfire as the man fled into the post office.
The suspect, who was wanted for violating his supervised release from prison, committed suicide inside the post office as the DeKalb County SWAT Team attempted to gain entry.
Officer Ortega had served as a part-time officer for the Pine Lake Police Department for two years, and was a full-time officer with the Georgia Department of Human Resources Police. He is survived by his son, daughter, parents, and sister.