Yolo County Sheriff's Office, California
End of Watch: Sunday, June 15, 2008
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: 140
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 15, 2008
Weapon Used: Rifle; AR-15
Suspect Info: Sentenced to death
Deputy Tony Diaz was shot and killed while making a traffic stop near the intersection of County Road 6 and County Road 99W at approximately 9:30 pm.
After a five-minute high speed pursuit, the suspect exited his vehicle and opened fire on Deputy Diaz, penetrating his vest, striking him in the shoulder.
Despite his wound, Deputy Diaz was able to call for assistance. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect, who fled on foot after abandoning his infant in his car, was apprehended a short time later. On October 4, 2011, the subject was convicted of multiple charges, including murder of a peace officer. The jury recommended he receive the death penalty and in February 2012 the presiding judge subsequently upheld the sentence.
Deputy Diaz had served with the Yolo County Sheriff's Department for four years. He is survived by his three children.