El Paso Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Tuesday, November 12, 1991
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 6 months
Badge Number: 1337
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 12, 1991
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Patrolman Ernesto Serna was shot and killed after confronting a shoplifter.
Patrolman Serna was working an extra-duty assignment as security at the Wal-Mart Store. Patrolman Serna saw a male take a coat from the rack and walk out of the store without paying for it. He followed the shoplifter out of the store and stopped him in the parking lot. When Patrolman Serna confronted the suspect, he drew a handgun out from under his coat and opened fire, striking him once in the face. Patrolman Serna was able to return fire, and shot the suspect three times, killing him.
Patrolman Serna was rushed to Thomason Hospital where he died shortly after 9 p.m.
Patrolman Serna had served with the agency for two years where he was assigned to the Central Substation. He had just returned from Saudi Arabia where he served with the United States Army Reserve in Operation Desert Storm.
He is survived by his wife and three sons. All of his sons became officers with the El Paso Police Department.